A peaceful walk turned into a nightmare when a 10-year-old chihuahua mix named Penny was viciously mauled by two pit bulls on a Manhattan sidewalk Saturday night—while their owners fled the scene without offering help.
The terrifying attack, partially captured on video, unfolded as Devon Allen walked Penny, a 16-pound rescue, down a sidewalk just steps behind the two pit bulls held on leashes by a man and a woman. As Allen passed, one of the pit bulls lunged, biting Penny without provocation. Moments later, the second pit bull joined in the mauling, as Allen and a bystander desperately tried to free the small dog from their grip.
Instead of assisting, the owners of the pit bulls quickly left with their animals, leaving behind a severely injured Penny and her devastated guardians.
“She was on a short leash right next to me,” Allen told CBS 2. “It wasn’t like she was just running free or provoked anything. It’s obviously negligent—these dogs are clearly a danger.”
Penny, who shares her time between Allen and his former partner Lauren Claus, suffered multiple traumatic injuries and underwent extensive surgery. She is currently in intensive care at a local veterinary clinic.
The same two pit bulls are suspected in a fatal January attack on another dog in Central Park, according to reports. Despite that history, no action has been taken by authorities, which Claus and other advocates are now challenging.
Frustrated by the lack of legal recourse, Claus has launched a fundraiser to cover Penny’s veterinary bills and is seeking justice through civil court. “They told me a dog is considered property, so not much can be done criminally,” she said. “All I can do is try to get the dogs declared dangerous and removed.”
City Councilwoman Gale Brewer, who was already aware of previous violent incidents involving the same dogs, said she has received repeated complaints and is pushing for accountability. “It’s the same issue again and again—different victims, but nothing being done,” Brewer told Fox 5.
Claus added a heartfelt plea: “It’s hard to find people who care enough to help a dog, but I hope they care about this one—because she really is the best.”