A young girl was killed by an unrestrained Pit Bull in a vicious dog attack in New York early this month. Three young girls were playing in the backyard of a residence in Elmont when the dog attacked the little girl. An adult in the house tried to fend off the dog with a broom but simply could not overcome the powerful animal.
When NYPD officers arrived, they rushed into the backyard where the dog attacked one of them. One officer shot and killed the dog while two others rushed to the aide of the girl. She was taken immediately to Franklin Hospital but the dog attack had left her fatally wounded. Surgeons were unable to save her.
The dog’s owner was arrested at the scene of the accident on an unrelated charge. Officials say he was not home at the time and even if he had been, it is questionable whether he could have pulled the dog off in order to save the young girl.
This shocking attack highlights the danger of keeping dangerous dogs in close proximity to the population at large and much more so, to young children and the elderly who are no match for such large and powerful animals. Every year, there are a number of terrifying dog attacks in New York City which kill or maim dozens of individuals and leave survivors with lifelong scarring and disabilities.
While many of the dog attacks in New York involve breeds many consider to be excessively aggressive, such as Pit Bulls and Rottweilers, it is ultimately the owner’s responsibility to control their animal. They must provide proper training and restraints (such as fences and leashes) to protect family members and the public at large. If they fail to do so, they can be held financially accountable for their inactions.
If you or a loved one has been bitten or mauled by a dog, contact an expert New York City dog bite attorney immediately. C all the Law Offices of Nussin S. Fogel for a free consultation at or 212-385-1122 to learn your rights.