Dog attacks in the city remain a serious concern, with other dogs attacking pets without repercussions. This issue has intensified following a particularly alarming incident involving a Chihuahua, according to animal activists.
Resident Jennifer Bull from the Upper West Side recounted how her 13-year-old Chihuahua mix, Forest, was attacked at Riverside Park earlier this month.
“We have to do something,” Bull expressed, clearly frustrated.
On June 6, she described an incident where Forest was peacefully resting in the grass when he faced a sudden attack from a pit bull, right in front of her young children, ages 6 and 8.
Sadly, Forest suffered significant injuries, including the loss of sight in one eye and multiple puncture wounds, Bull said.
Despite the severity of the situation, Bull shared that police told her they couldn’t take action, as current laws hindered them.
A police official confirmed that, under the existing legal framework, injuries caused to one animal by another are not treated as criminal offenses.
This disturbing attack came shortly after another incident where a Chihuahua named Penny was also attacked by two pit bulls near Columbus Avenue in early May.
Following these attacks, a lawsuit was filed, prompting state legislator Jennifer Rajkumar to propose a bill that would impose potential civil liability and criminal charges for pet-related injuries.
“Pets are family, not just property,” Rajkumar emphasized during the proposal of the bill.
Yet, the legislation has stalled in the Agricultural Committee, although the reasons for the holdup are unclear.
The proposed “Penny Law” aims to create accountability for negligent pet owners, with suggestions for penalties ranging from neglect to leaving the scene after an animal attack.
The bill seeks to enforce stricter consequences for repeated law violations related to dangerous pets.
Rajkumar noted, “This absence of accountability has allowed irresponsible owners to let their dogs harm others, often brushing off the behavior as typical.”
In reflecting on the situation, Bull remarked on the challenges faced by people with pets for companionship or protection. “I get that,” she said. “But at some point, these situations pose a real threat to public safety.”
