This browser does not support the Video element.
Owner of pit bulls that attacked chihuahua arrested for not handing over dogs
The alleged owner of two pit bulls that attacked a 10-year-old chihuahua on the streets of New York City earlier this year was arrested on Thursday, Dec. 11, after he refused to surrender the dogs.
NEW YORK - The alleged owner of two pit bulls that attacked a 10-year-old chihuahua on the streets of New York City earlier this year was arrested on Thursday, Dec. 11, after he refused to surrender the dogs.
Pit bull owner arrested
What we know:
Joseph Columbus, the owner of the dogs, was in court Thursday, where he was arrested for contempt after failing to comply with a court order.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Owners demand action after pit bulls maul service dog on NYC street l Caught on camera
The backstory:
Columbus' two dogs attacked Penny the service chihuahua while she was out on a walk on the Upper West Side back in May.
It was later discovered that Columbus was ordered to muzzle the dogs while in public spaces after a similar alleged attack in January.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: New NY law would hold owners accountable after pit bulls attack tiny dog
In that incident, Columbus' pit pulls allegedly attacked a killed a small dog in Central Park.
That same order forbade Columbus from walking the dogs together. However, Columbus' lawyer said he never received the order.
In June, Columbus was ordered to hand the dogs over to the NYPD. Then in October, a judge also ordered Columbus surrender the dogs.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Owner of pit bulls that attacked a chihuahua ordered to turn his dogs over to the NYPD
What they're saying:
Before his arrest Thursday, Columbus told the judge that he no longer had the dogs, and therefore couldn't give them up.
What we don't know:
It's not clear where the dogs are now.
The Source: This article uses new information gathered from court documents and previous FOX 5 NY reports.