Brooklyn Residents Say Neighbor's Dog Is A Menace; Owner Claims To Be Victim
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- A dog in Borough Park, Brooklyn has raised fears and complaints from neighbors who say the animal is a danger to the community.
Sammy Kisin's 60-pound, 7-year-old terrier mix, named "Jesse," has neighbors on 60th Street afraid after they said it attacked at least three people.
Ricki Pearl lives with her five children next door to Kisin and said his dog was a source of concern for her family.
"We're petrified of that dog, I can tell you that much. My children, the dog comes out, we run in," Pearl told CBS 2's John Slattery.
"This dog, we're afraid of," neighbor Rachel Klein added. "It bit a 7-year-old and a 15-year-old."
Kisin claims the 7-year-old was bitten after "she rode her bike accidentally into my dog while it was peeing."
"As an animal instinct, the dog turned around and jumped on her. He did bite her," Kisin admitted.
Kisin said a 20-year-old man was slightly bitten or scratched when he surprised the dog.
Another neighbor, Jacob Hammerman, said that his father was bitten in the chest two years ago. He said it left a "nice, gaping hole."
Kisin said his dog used to be kept in the backyard, but was taunted by neighboring kids. He said they threw rocks and stones at it, aggravating him. Kisin also portrayed himself as somewhat of a victim.
"The honest truth, I'm Jewish, but I'm not Hasidic. I'm not Orthodox," he said. "I know they want me out."
However, Hammerman disputed the notion and said the accusation was not true.
"He's a nice guy, not any problems with him. It's just the dog itself," he said.
As the dispute simmers, Kisin said police have advised him to put a muzzle on the dog and he said he has complied. The Health Department said an inspector was unable to locate the owner or the dog, but will continue to investigate the situation.
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