A recent dog attack on Manhattan’s Upper West Side has ignited public outrage and renewed calls for changes to New York City’s animal cruelty laws. The assault, which occurred on Saturday night, involved two pit bulls attacking Penny, a 16-pound chihuahua mix, leaving her with severe bruising. While Penny has been discharged from the hospital and is recovering at home, the incident has prompted concerns over the enforcement of laws related to dangerous dogs and their owners.
Penny’s owner, Lauren Claus, described the attack as a “miracle” that her dog survived. The attack unfolded at 85th Street and Columbus Avenue, with bystanders rushing to help. In newly released footage, one of the pit bulls’ owners is seen dragging a bystander by the hair during the chaos. Shockingly, the couple involved in the incident left the scene without facing immediate consequences.
Claus, frustrated by the lack of accountability, recounted her difficulty in navigating the system to file complaints. “We can’t get people to investigate,” she said. “I’ll call one organization, which refers me to another, and then back to the NYPD, who just say, ‘Sorry.'”
The incident has sparked action from local lawmakers, including state Assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal, who is pushing for legislative reform. Rosenthal has introduced a bill that would change the legal status of pets, redefining them from “property” to “sentient beings.” The goal is to provide better protection for animals and ensure that owners of aggressive dogs face more serious consequences.
Rosenthal pointed out that current laws allow the police to take reports and forward them to a judge, but enforcement is often lacking. She emphasized that the owner of an aggressive dog could also face charges for animal abuse.
The situation is compounded by confusion over the role of law enforcement. Lauren Block, a local resident, shared her experience of trying to report a similar attack involving the same pit bulls back in January. Block’s two Shih Tzu mixes were mauled, and one, 17-year-old Grover, was killed. Block faced significant hurdles in trying to file a report with authorities, leading to further frustration with the system.
David Rosengard, an attorney with the Animal Legal Defense Fund, noted that the lack of resources and proper training for law enforcement officials is a national issue. “Law enforcement often isn’t receiving the information they need to effectively implement animal cruelty laws,” he said.
As Penny begins her recovery, her owner, along with animal rights advocates, continues to push for stronger laws and greater accountability in the wake of these tragic attacks. The hope is that these efforts will lead to meaningful reform and better protection for both pets and their owners in the future.