A legal battle has erupted over an adorable long-haired miniature dachshund named Finley, involving Alexander Patronelli from Glenhead and Katelyn Evans from Manhattan.
The couple bought Finley from a breeder in Texas back in April 2024 and even arranged for a “flight nanny” to bring the puppy to New York.
But now, this pricey breed, which can cost as much as $7,000, has become a focal point in their contentious legal dispute, currently unfolding in the Nassau Supreme Court.
Patronelli, 32, and Evans, 27, had a six-year relationship that ended late last year. Both are clearly missing “Finn.”
“Finley is well cared for by [Patronelli], including his staff, his family, and friends. He’s never alone,” Patronelli stated in a lawsuit filed against Evans on August 6.
In court papers, Patronelli accused Evans of using Finn as a pawn against him and claimed she misrepresented facts to the Nassau Family Court, suggesting that he raised his voice inappropriately. He also indicated that Evans sometimes left the puppy alone for hours at her Manhattan apartment.
On the other side, Evans maintained her support for Patronelli through periods of substance abuse and even alleged violence, stating in court filings that he attacked her outside of a family restaurant last November.
This led her to seek a protection order at Nassau Family Court, where she mentioned their dogs as a “rescued party.”
It remains unclear if Evans reported the alleged assault to Nassau County police, as they haven’t responded to inquiries.
The loss of Finn has been particularly hard on Evans, who works in marketing.
Evans described Patronelli’s actions regarding the dog as a “well-researched, documented tactic” often employed by domestic violence abusers to exert control over their victims.
“This is a way to bully and silence Ms. Evans. She will not be bullied or silenced. The truth supports her,” said Patronelli, who accused Evans of pursuing malicious lawsuits against him.
This incident comes just a couple of months after a judge in Brooklyn ruled that a companion pet can be treated as part of the “neighborhood” in certain legal contexts, which led to a woman suing for emotional distress after an incident involving her dachshund.
Patronelli’s attorney did not reply to requests for comments, while Evans’ attorney also declined to provide any statements.
