Judge: Pit bull in Mamaroneck attack must be confined or euthanized

NEW YORK -- A village judge declared a pit bull dangerous and essentially delivered the dog a life sentence for killing a neighbor’s dog and biting off part of the owner’s finger.

Dave Rigano, right, and his wife left Mamaroneck Village
Court Tuesday after a judge ordered their dog, a pit bull,
permanently contained or euthanized. The dog had attacked
and killed a neighbor's dog last month.

In Village Court today, Judge Christie Derrico ordered Diesel, a 4-year-old animal, “permanently confined” or “humanely euthanized.”

Diesel is currently being held at a Long Island shelter, which advised the court that the animal “has never been socialized.” The shelter continues efforts to rehabilitate him.

Meanwhile, the dog’s owner, Dave Rigano, pleaded guilty to a violation for his pet’s fatal offense.

The Sept. 26 attack killed Ane, a 1-year-old coton du tulear, and cost Ane’s owner, 75-year-old Josephine Catalfamo, part of one of her fingers.

(lohud.com - Oct 9, 2012)

Earlier:

• Deadly Pit Bull Attack in Mamaroneck Causes Death of Dog, Owner's Severed Fingertip
• Mamaroneck dog that killed neighbor's pet has violent past