NYC dog owner finally behind bars for failing to turn over pit bulls involved in attacks
The Upper West Side owner of two aggressive pit bulls responsible for multiple attacks is finally in custody.
Joseph Columbus, 40, could remain jailed until March 11 and may face daily fines of $250 for defying a June court order from Judge Phaedra Perry-Bond to surrender his dogs, Zooey and Rambo, to city authorities, according to court records.
Columbus, who had repeatedly missed court appearances and once led law enforcement on a high-speed chase, was taken into custody Thursday at a Manhattan Supreme Court hearing, confirmed city Sheriff Anthony Miranda. “He kept saying, ‘I’m not going anywhere. Back off,’” said Lauren Block, an Upper West Sider whose two Shih Tzu mixes, Grover and Chuckie, were attacked by Zooey and Rambo in January.
Block, along with Devon Allen and Lauren Claus—whose 16-pound chihuahua, Penny, was also mauled—filed a lawsuit against Columbus in May.
Block will receive any fines paid by Columbus as restitution for nearly $22,000 in veterinary bills after the attack left Grover dead, Chuckie seriously injured, and Block partially blind. She plans to donate any restitution to an animal shelter.
“I’m not super rich, but it will feel good to do something in Grover’s honor because he was the sweetest dog I’ve ever met,” Block said.
“The neighborhood is very happy we finally have some resolution,” said Karen Kramer, a local dog walker following the case. “But we’ll be much happier when the dogs are actually surrendered.” Columbus has denied possessing the dogs, telling the West Side Rag that Rambo is with his cousin and Zooey belongs to his ex-girlfriend.
“I’ve got no dog to give. I’m being treated worse than a murderer or a pedophile. I want my life to come back to normal,” Columbus said in court.
“The court’s order and Mr. Columbus’ imprisonment reflect months of hard work,” said attorney Mollie Swears, representing Block and Claus.
Columbus is also facing eviction from his grandmother’s Columbus Avenue apartment, where court records show Rambo and Zooey were accused in March of another attack, prompting victims to flee the building. Neighbors told the West Side Spirit that Columbus frequently yelled at the dogs and confined them for days at a time.
A lawyer for Columbus could not immediately be reached for comment.
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