What can you do if your pet is attacked?
File an Animal Control complaint
File a dog bite report with Animal Control
This will create a record of the attack and initiate contact with Animal Control.
Contact a lawyer
Until the law changes, you can pursue a civil case for the value of your pet, vet bills, and any damages to you. Contact a lawyer to begin legal proceedings.
Document everything
As difficult as it, document everything from the attack.
Initiate a dangerous dog proceeding
Contact local Animal Control and report the attack. Ask them to initiate a dangerous dog proceeding.
Advocate for A1113
Contact your NYS Assembly representative and demand action on A1113.
Contact NYS Assembly Judiciary Committee Chair Dinowitz and demand action on A1113
Speak out
Speak out about the attack and alert your neighborhood about the dangerous animal and its owners. Speak to local media and activists.
Can you contact police?
Although under today’s laws, animal on animal attacks are not considered a crime you can contact your local police if you feel comfortable doing so. Precincts vary as regards to their willingness to file a report. In NYC, the Community Affairs officer may have additional resources to recommend.
Get Support
The death of a companion animal is devastating. Animal Medical Center runs a pet loss support group to help.