About a month ago on a Saturday morning a little after 7 a.m., I was walking my two leashed dogs Marco, a Husky mix, and Bonnie, a Pomeranian, in my neighborhood where I have lived for almost 20 years.
I was walking down a side street and saw two neighborhood dogs, pit bulls, unleashed and unsupervised. What happened in the next few moments was horrific.
In short, the larger and more aggressive dog ran toward us and put his jaws around Bonnie's neck and she died in my arms moments later as her blood ran down my sleeve while she struggled for her last breath.
I had rescued Bonnie 12 years earlier from the CNYSPCA and she had been a joy in my life.
Like a good citizen, I reported the incident to the police. I was informed by the police that the pit bull owner "feels awful" but the incident is merely an "accident."
With little compassion, the police gave me the animal control office number, which I had to wait until Monday morning to call.
I took Bonnie's body to the vet for cremation. Sunday morning there was a U-Haul parked in front of the house where the dog owners were packing to move.
Monday morning I called animal control and made a statement about the incident.
I subsequently found out the dogs' owners were ticketed, went to court and were fined $50 per dog for being unlicensed & unleashed. I don't believe that is justice for my Bonnie and I am outraged by this decision.
Some may say, "It's only a dog!" Maybe next time it may be a child in the wrong place at the wrong time.
I felt the need to share my story and let the community be aware that it appears to be acceptable to let a dog kill another dog with a mere slap on the wrist. Unfortunately, being a responsible pet owner doesn't exempt us from being a victim to irresponsible owners of a dangerous dog.
Bonnie, I miss you and you were a sweet dog and companion to me for over 12 years.
Nancy Anelli, Syracuse, NY
(Syracuse.com - May 6, 2015)
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