After Violent Attacks, Judge Orders 2 UWS Pit Bulls Into City Custody: Court Docs

UPPER WEST SIDE, NY — A civil court judge has ruled that two pit bull mixes who attacked multiple dogs on the Upper West Side are dangerous and must be surrendered to city custody, according to court documents.

First reported by the West Side Rag, Judge Phaedra Perry-Bond ordered owner Joseph Columbus to turn over his dogs, Rambo and Zooey, to Animal Care and Control within three days or risk police seizure.

The ruling follows two attacks earlier this year — one in Central Park that killed a shih tzu mix, and another high-profile attack on Columbus Avenue that seriously injured a chihuahua named Penny.

Columbus was ordered to reimburse one victim’s $21,000 veterinary costs, according to the documents.

The judge said "draconian measures" were needed to protect the public and left open the option of humane euthanasia, according to the documents.

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