OLD TAPPAN, NJ -— Two pit bull terriers owned by a Northvale resident attacked a cocker spaniel on Orangeburg Road this week, killing the smaller animal, police said.
The Cocker Spaniel was wrapped into a towel after the attack and rushed to the Old Tappan Veterinary in Norwood, but was pronounced dead on arrival, Old Tappan Police Chief Thomas Shine said Wednesday.
Shine said police were called by an Orangeburg Road resident at about 7:51 a.m. on Tuesday. The Cocker Spaniel’s owner was walking the animal when it was attacked, Shine said.
When the three officers arrived, they saw one of the pit bulls holding onto the cocker spaniel’s neck, while the other was holding onto a hind leg, Shine said.
“They were viciously shaking the dog, it appeared, to the officers, in an attempt to take its life,” he said.
One of the officers sprayed a dry chemical fire extinguisher in the direction of the pit bulls, causing them to release the cocker spaniel, Shine said.
Shine said the pit bulls had apparently escaped their residence at Westcott Street in neighboring Northvale and were running free in Old Tappan.
The pit bulls were taken away by Tyco Animal Control, which is the animal control contractor for the borough of Old Tappan, Shine said.
The pit bulls’ owner, John Waddell of Westcott Street in Northvale, will be charged with a violation of a borough ordinance for having his dogs on the street at large, Shine said.
The next municipal court date is June 21.
Additional charges may be filed in Old Tappan, depending on the determination of the animal control officer and the borough’s health contractor, Shine said.
Donna Gambutti, the Northvale Deputy Borough Clerk, said Wednesday that five dogs are licensed for the Westcott Street address.
(North Jersey - June 9, 2011)
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