I am writing you because my dog and I were attacked by a group of owned loose dogs recently. I have called several agencies (Police, Animal Care and Control, Dept of Health, ASPCA) to enforce the laws that were broken with no success. I am emotionally traumatized and frightened to go for what used to be my serene exercise walks for both my dog and myself. The story is as follows:
I'm 112 lb female and my dog is sweet rescue at 60 lbs and dog/people socialized, although she is a fearful dog since she was abused and neglected prior to her adoption with me.
Just the other day I was walking my dog (leashed and
licensed) to the store. I turned my head and spotted a rottweiler and many other dogs in a back yard with both fence gates of the home wide open. My heart stopped. Five dogs came charging onto the street at my dog and me unprovoked! We tried to walk slowly away but they took her down and viciously attacked her. My dog never fought back. I screamed and screamed and screamed to distract them and also get their owner's attention, who never responded. Every other neighbor came out but just watched me. I continued to scream so their eyes would now lock on me. My dog just cried for my help, yelping the entire time. But my dog was now belly up and really defenseless as she was leashed. While I yelled I tried to maintain eye contact with the rottweiler as she definitely was the alpha dog, the aggressor, and the one who could kill both my dog and me. As this was probably a bit dangerous, the dogs were taking interest in me and my unyielding screaming. As I screamed for minutes, I kept trying to pull my dog up by her leash so they couldn't attack her neck or vital organs. Which turned out to be a good thing because she slipped out of her leash and then took off and ran all the way home. (Thank you God, for her safety from cars.)
The dogs took flight and chased after her.
The rottweiler and the rest of the pack ran up the front stairs of my home which her scent is probably on, as they missed seeing her in the alley. My dad chased them with a stick.
My dog suffered deep lacerations and puncture wounds throughout her body and required emergency medical care, sedation and many stitches. I suffered scratches on my limbs and I'm emotionally traumatized.
I have 2 questions:
1. My mother who was with me called the cops. They came but there response was "its a civil matter nothing we can do". Not to mention that the 5 dogs were loose in the street, unleashed and unlicensed with no supervision and attacked my beloved pet.
The ASPCA and 311 (CACC) were also called and they said they couldn't do anything either?? Plus the officer refused to file a report. What are my rights and why am I getting stonewalled? Today I went to the 45th precinct to try to file a complaint again and they told me it's not
their problem. Why can't these irresponsible owners get tickets or a summons for breaking 3 laws (leash, license, supervision) and for attacking my pet??
2. What could I have done better during the attack to save my dog's life and how can I prevent this from happening again?
Please help me! I live in the Bronx (NY) where most people are unfortunately ignorant and have large aggressive dogs that are never walked and full of frustration. I on the other hand, have done everything possible (exercise, formal training, dog/people socialization, positive stimulation, etc.) to maintain responsible and ethical ownership and in turn have a happy loyal pet. As I am so grateful my wonderful beloved is alive, why isn't the law enforced? The officer said the owner will pay which
I doubt but my real concern is how come they are not penalized to prevent future disasters? And what can I do to protect us both?
Sorry so long,
Tesa and LuNa
PS- a cop in NY just recently shot an attacking pitbull 25 times. H E L L O, I was unarmed against 5 dogs!!