Lyndhurst dog with attack history accused of biting two boys

NEW JERSEY -- The dog that allegedly attacked two elementary school boys while walking home for lunch today, June 11, on Valley Brook Avenue, was involved in another biting incident in September of 2011, according to authorities.

One of the owners leads a dog accused of biting two children out of the home and into an animal control van on June 11.

Today a pit bull Labrador Retriever mix - identified as "Harley" - escaped from its house in the area of the school when the two Lincoln Elementary School students were walking on the sidewalk on 600 block of Valley Brook Avenue, police said.

 STAFF PHOTO/TARIQ ZEHAWI

The two 12-year old boys suffered puncture wounds to their buttocks area and rear thighs, Lyndhurst Captain John Valente said. After being bitten, the boys located a nearby crossing guard, who contacted police and emergency services. They were transported to Hackensack University Medical Center for treatment, police said.

The dog, was returned to the home where it escaped from, police said.

"Right now we're investigating whether or not the dog is licensed or not," Valente said.

In the meantime, the animal will be quarantined by the Bergen County Animal Shelter for a period of 10 days.

A male dog named Harley matching the attacking dog's description has a history of previous biting cases, however, isn't listed as "vicious" but is up-to-date on its rabies vaccinations, according to Lyndhurst Health Department records. Valente confirmed that Harley was involved in another biting incident in September 2011. The registered owner's address is listed as Forest Avenue.

Any dog that attacks or bites a human, or that habitually attacks other pets, can be labeled a "vicious" dog. Once a dog goes through the process of being labeled, it is banned from public streets and places, except when muzzled and leashed, according to township ordinance. Township law requires that owners of a "potentially dangerous dog" must pay an annual fee of $700.

Four other dogs in the township have previously bitten people or other pets, records indicate.

The unidentified owner will be issued a township summons for a dog at large and possibly additional violations, police said.

(North Jersey - June 11, 2013)