Two pit bulls attacked four people in Lakeview Tuesday night and are still on the loose, according to Nassau County Police.
The first victim, a 16-year-old male, was walking on Parkside and Cedar Road around 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 12 when two pit bulls -- one brown and the other black -- attacked him, police said. He suffered injuries to his left arm.
Police said that 10 minutes later, the same two pit bulls attacked a 54-year-old woman who was walking on Pinebrook Avenue and Parkside Road. She also suffered injuries to her left arm.
At 6:50 pm, the two dogs attacked a third victim, a 24-year-old female, who was walking on Pinebrook Avenue and Tyler Road. She suffered injuries to her left leg and right arm.
The last attack occurred at 7:01 p.m., in front of 33 Clinton Ave. Officers said the two dogs attacked a 29-year-old woman, who suffered injuries to her face, left arm, right arm and left shoulder.
All the victims were transported to an area hospital to seek treatment for their injuries.
Speaking to News 12 outside her home Wednesday, one of the women attacked by the dogs, Kashina Sylvester, said she had been getting out of her car when suddenly she was approached by the dogs.
"I said 'Go home' and all of sudden, I'm being mauled by two dogs ... They started biting at my jacket and then one chomped down on my thigh and I went down."
Sylvester was then bitten on her face, arms and shoulder.
An intensive area search for the dogs was coordinated and conducted Tuesday night utilizing Bureau of Special Operations Officers, Emergency Services Unit, Aviation Unit, Fourth Precinct Patrol Officers and Town of Hempstead Animal Control Officers, but they were unable to locate the dogs at this time.
Authorities returned to the area Wednesday morning to continue the search, which they said will not conclude until the dogs are found.
The dogs were both wearing collars. One still had a piece of chain attached to its collar. Officers request anyone who may have information regarding these dogs to contact the Fourth Precinct at (516) 573-6400.
This story was updated at 3:41 p.m. on Feb. 13.
If you want justice, and if you want to prevent this from happening again, don’t blame the dogs. Blame the people who taught them this is life, educate your neighbors, and report any evidence of dog-fighting to both the police and the Humane Society of the United States at 1-877-TIP-HSUS. (There is a $5,000 reward for the latter.) To do more in your community about this issue, please see http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/dogfighting/tips/dogfighting_action.html or message us at http://www.facebook.com/LIONature.
The United Kennel Club describes the American Pit Bull Terrier as having "strength, confidence, and zest for life. This breed is eager to please and brimming over with enthusiasm. APBTs make excellent family companions and have always been noted for their love of children. Because most APBTs exhibit some level of dog aggression and because of its powerful physique, the APBT requires an owner who will carefully socialize and obedience train the dog. The breed’s natural agility makes it one of the most capable canine climbers so good fencing is a must for this breed. The APBT is not the best choice for a guard dog since they are extremely friendly, even with strangers. Aggressive behavior toward humans is uncharacteristic of the breed and highly undesirable." This does not sound at all like the dogs you are describing. Through our work, we have come across very aggressive labs and very docile pit bulls, and vice versa. The common denominator between aggressive dogs has always been abusive or ill-educated owners and the common denominator between docile dogs has always been very loving guardians. There is enough prejudice in the world already. Please don't extend this horrible human practice to dog breeds as well.
While I understand the ogic of your points I am sure the people who were attacked do not agree. I know many people have probably seen roaming packs of daschounds or toy poodles atck and maul people but have never said anything. Many people probably know that ost drug people have trained Shi-Tzu's to violents protect their turf and have kept quiet aout it. And we can't forget the beagle dog fighting rings that are protected and not named by the liberal media. Yes Pitt Bulls are vilent dogs.
PUNISH THE DEED NOT THE BREED!
I have had multiple breeds of dogs, including a German Sheppard/Lab mix, who constantly snapped at my kids, even though they grew up with her. I also have had a lab/hound mix who was the sweetest girl, but nowhere near as sweet as my pitties.
In my line of work, I have seen many animals, mostly pits, that have had to be culled in shelters when they were perfectly adoptable. Because of criminals that engage in drug rings and force this breed to fight, pit bulls have been severely overlooked in shelters. These people, the ones that owned these pits, are most likely the people who bring drugs into our neighborhoods, who sell them to our kids, and who skyrocket the crime rate. Dogs that become aggressive toward strangers are most likely those belonging to these criminals and know nothing more than "humans hurt me." They are scared animals running away from interactions with us, with chains still attached to their collars. I can tell you right now, the fact that these dogs got away from ripping themselves off a chain means something- they are backyard dogs, who receive no love. They are most likely left outside to fend for themselves, which is illegal in the state of NY.
Don't blame the breed for a human's mistake. That's the equivalent to racial-profiling in humans.
The dogs, however, should be evaluated for rehabilitation. With the correct person, a lot of love, and a lot of patience, the dogs can be loving and adopted.