The Brief
- The pit bulls that mauled Penny the chihuahua had killed another small dog a month prior to the attack.
- The owner of the pit bulls had been ordered to keep both dogs muzzled on walks and to walk them separately.
- Both orders were not complied with in the video of Penny’s attack taken a month later.
UPPER WEST SIDE – The owner of the two pit bulls that mauled Penny the chihuahua had been ordered to keep his dogs muzzled and walk them separately before the attack.
Pit bulls ordered to be muzzled by NYC
What we know:
FOX 5 NY’s Michelle Ross learned that Joseph Columbus, the owner of the two pit bulls that attacked 10-year-old Penny the chihuahua nearly a month ago, had been ordered to muzzle his dogs whenever they’re in a public space. The order also stated Columbus could not walk both of his dogs at the same time.
This order was issued by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene after Columbus’ pit bulls allegedly attacked and killed another small dog in Central Park in January of this year.
Both orders were not complied with when Penny was attacked in the Upper West Side earlier this month. The punishment for noncompliance, according to the letter, is a misdemeanor, “subject to civil and/or criminal penalties, including forfeitures, fines and imprisonment.”
Penny’s recovery, owner’s legal battle
“This all could have been prevented,” Penny’s owner, Lauren Claus, told Ross, citing the letter issued by the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. “Penny’s attack could have been prevented.” Claus’ lawyers obtained the letter issuing the orders to Columbus.…