Oh my god. I was nearly sick reading that. That is the kind of situation where, even though it would be wrong, and it's not the dog's fault, it's the owner's fault - I would be very tempted to do something on my own about those dogs.

 Quote: Heather Perring

... Around here seeing two or three dogs just running the streets is pretty common. In fact my next door neighbors let this happen

I would call AC every single time. I'd carry a small camera, too.

I agree Will, I hope he/she gets charged as well.
I have been thinking about getting some bear spray for my walks around our creek area, just in case of this kind of thing. I fear that I would not be able to fend off a loose dog that is red zone aggressive.
The only thing would be that I wouldn't want to get my own dog with the spray.
I guess you would have to act quickly with the spray at a distance.
Plus we have coyotes in our woods, and while they normally keep their distance, if one should be rabid that would be another reason to get some.
So many cases like this one! Makes me so mad!

Yes, I know of Harry's dogs and have seen them since I lived in Hell's Kitchen. However, I had no idea they actually came into the city (that is, past 11th Avenue, or even 10th Avenue). I only saw them in the evenings rollerblading down the West Side Highway. Not sure if they are there anymore since around 2005 or so, major renovations were completed along the west side piers.

I know it was a pit bulldog, or what ever they called it, that started the fight, but don't you think that the cops could have used mace or bear spray instead of shooting the dog?

Don't get me wrong, I would be irrate if someone's dog came in my yard and fought with my dogs. I'd be terrified of the results of something like that. I would sue the owner of the dog that came onto my property and started the fight. We were lucky before we put our fence up that it didn't happen. There are dogs that get loose on my street, and my neighbors dog had gotten out a few different times and each time I thanked my lucky stars that my dogs weren't outside-especially when Lily was a little 20lb pup.

Mace sometimes works, sometimes doesn't.

In both people, and dogs, there is a percentage that will not be effected by Oleoresin Capsicum (the active ingredient in mace/pepper spray).

Many dogs, especially dogs that are amped on adrenaline, will not be phased one bit.

It is one thing to use pepperspray to deter a fight.
It is another thing entirely to use it to subdue a dog already in a fight. (Think about levels of corrections on a dog in drive. Same principle.) Pepper spray only causes pain and breathing difficulty. Many dogs aren't going to care, once all that adrenaline is going.

Everyone always asks "Why didn't they use mace?" "Or a tazer?"
"Why didn't they just shoot him in the leg?"

All easier said than done, in the heat of the moment.
99.9% of Law Enforcement are decent, kind people. Why the public always feels the need to err on the side of Cops being bad, or not trying hard enough to use the least amount of force, is beyond me.

Many years ago I lost a beloved shepherd lab mix that I took
in as a stray. I live way out in the country, no side walks
and no street lights. My dog was attached and killed by two
pit bulls when I called animal control I was told "So sorry
it seems the dogs got into a fight and yours lost" Don't have
any faith in animal control or leash laws which we have but
dogs may run loose on your own property here in Alabama. My
husband informed the pit bull owner that if they ever came on
our property they would be shot. The pit bull owner got rid of
them, but to late for my "Spike"
Betty Reavis

what a dreadful story about the GSD attacked in its own yard, and the later link to NY Bonny being attacked by the pack of wild rotts. all states prohibit carrying deadly weapons, concealed or unconcealed, unless one is appropriately licensed to do so. However NO state prohibits carrying a 'marine flare signal launcher' -- which looks like a .45 handgun and shoots 12 ga. phoshorescent flares . in cou ntries where only outlaws have guns , mariners carry these flares to use against pirates.

in you have given me a new idea of what to have with me from my boat when me or my dogs are under attack. these flares will probably stop a wild dog or pirate dead.

internet search : see: MARINE SIGNAL FLARE ORION
Roadside Kit with Flares from ORION umm
This West Marine Exclusive Signal Kit is an ideal choice for coastal ... 12- gauge safety launcher, four handheld red signal flares, two handheld orange smoke ... 12-Gauge flare gun rockets your signal into the skyDesigned for lake and ...
http://www.westmarine.com/1/1/13381-roadside-kit-flares-from-orion.html - 88k - Cached - Similar pages

 Quote: Caroline Mitchel

However NO state prohibits carrying a 'marine flare signal launcher' -- which looks like a .45 handgun and shoots 12 ga. phoshorescent flares .

Good advice, although I will caution that some states do prohibit carrying those flares as a weapon.
Many others may not prohibit them specifically, but they fall under catch-all laws about concealed weapons.

Still, it is an option, and a good choice for those with no others.