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Huntington Seeks Dangerous-Dog Ruling After Video Shows Dix Hills Mauling

A judge will decide whether the animals face strict confinement rules or euthanasia, a choice that will shape local safety and the owners' legal obligations.

Overview

  • A video from Aug. 10 shows two pit bulls chasing and mauling a woman jogging in Dix Hills and then attacking a good Samaritan and the woman's husband, who described widespread bruising and cuts.
  • The Huntington Department of Public Safety's Animal Control Division responded to the Aug. 10 incident and the Town of Huntington has served the owners with three dangerous-dog articles and a notice to comply for containment violations.
  • The dogs' owners say the animals escaped after gates were left open by a landscaper and a realtor, say one dog has fear-related trauma from past abuse, and report they have padlocked the gate and refuse to euthanize the animals.
  • Neighbors say the same two dogs have bitten multiple people and chased a child in July, and residents plan to attend the court hearing out of concern for public safety.
  • Owners are due to appear before a district court judge Friday to argue whether the dogs should be legally designated dangerous, which could impose strict confinement rules or lead to euthanasia and will determine near-term safety measures for the neighborhood.