Pit bull attacks terrify Long Island neighbors; pet owners insist dogs aren't vicious
Neighbors concerned about pit bull attacks
Two pit bulls charged at a woman out for a jog in Dix Hills. FOX 5 NY's Jodi Goldberg has the story.
LONG ISLAND - Several residents in Dix Hills on Long Island are raising concerns over two pit bulls in their neighborhood, claiming the animals have repeatedly attacked people on their street. However, the dog owners insist their pets aren't vicious, and they say the whole situation is being blown out of proportion.
What we know:
Surveillance video shows two pit bulls charging at a woman out for a jog, violently slamming her to the ground and attacking her for over a full minute.
A Good Samaritan is seen pulling up and trying to intervene, only for the dogs to turn on him too.
Desperate neighbors called her husband, but when he rushed down the street to save his wife, the dogs attacked again.
What they're saying:
"I was spinning around, saying stop, stop, stop, get off, get off, and the dogs were just gnawing at me," said Larry Ballereau.
According to neighbors, it's not the first time the dogs have gone on the attack. Just last month, they say the same dogs attacked a teenager riding an e-bike. The owners blame landscapers and realtors for leaving their gate open during both escapes – a gate they said is now padlocked.
The other side:
"We have rescued dogs from being mistreated and abused," said Helen Tarnaras. "Why would we want vicious dogs?"
What's next:
The Town of Huntington says it's the first time animal control was notified. The victims of the dog attacks, as well as the owners, were set to face a judge on Friday, who will ultimately determine what should be done next, if anything.