A Manhattan judge has ruled that two pit bull mixes responsible for multiple attacks on small dogs must be surrendered to the city, evaluated, and possibly euthanized.
The dogs, Rambo and Zooey, owned by Joseph Columbus, attacked three small dogs in separate incidents, killing one, according to court records. In May, the pair mauled a 16-pound Chihuahua mix named Penny on the Upper West Side. Earlier, in January, they attacked two Shih Tzu mixes in Central Park, fatally injuring 17-year-old, blind Grover.
Judge Phaedra Perry-Bond ruled Wednesday that if Columbus fails to hand over the animals, authorities have the power to seize them. Columbus, 40, is also responsible for paying for the dogs’ evaluations and training once they are in city custody and reimbursing Lauren Block, the Shih Tzus’ owner, nearly $22,000 in veterinary bills. The court’s decision noted that humane euthanasia remains a possibility based on the evaluations by the city.
Authorities allege Columbus has been evading law enforcement for months. In June, he allegedly failed to bring Rambo and Zooey to police and refused to answer his door or phone when officers attempted to take the animals. Court records show that after the January attack, Columbus was ordered to keep the dogs leashed and muzzled, a mandate the judge says he did not follow.
“This week, justice prevailed,” said attorney Mollie Swears, representing Block as well as Penny’s owners, Devon Allen and Lauren Claus.
Columbus’ lawyer, Ikiesha Al-Shabazz, has disputed claims that he still owns both dogs, saying Columbus only owned Rambo and surrendered him after being sued in May. Al-Shabazz also alleged that she and Columbus were threatened with racial slurs as the case gained attention.
In addition to the attacks, the dogs caused extensive damage to Columbus’ Upper West Side apartment, chewing through cabinets, walls, and floors, while leaving a strong odor of urine, according to landlord records. Columbus is currently facing eviction, a proceeding that remains ongoing.
