As concerned dog owner in New York City, I am advocating for stronger regulations to better protect our pets and community from preventable harm.

This issue is deeply personal. My dog was recently attacked by three dogs that escaped from their yard after being left outside unsupervised. This was not an off-leash situation or a careless interaction between owners—these dogs broke out and attacked without warning while my dog was safely on a leash.

The attack was immediate. As soon as they got out, all three lunged toward him without any initial signs of normal interaction, such as sniffing or hesitation. My dog did not provoke the attack and did not fight back or attempt to defend himself. This was not a mutual altercation—it was a one-sided act of aggression.

What happened was traumatic and could have easily turned fatal. What followed was just as alarming.

When I attempted to report the incident, I was met with significant resistance. In New York City, dog-on-dog attacks are treated as property damage. Because my dog is not a human, the attacking dogs cannot be officially classified as dangerous or aggressive under current standards. This reality is unacceptable.

There has been a troubling number of similar incidents, some resulting in severe injury or death. Yet the lack of clear accountability and preventative measures allows these situations to continue.

Dog-on-dog attacks should not be dismissed as isolated incidents—they should be recognized as warning signs.  This should be taken seriously as an indicator of broader public safety risk—because next time, the target may not be another dog, but a person.

It is time for change.

I urge New York City lawmakers to implement stronger regulations, including:

• Classification of dogs involved in attacks on other dogs as dangerous and or aggressive 
• Mandatory behavioral evaluations and training requirements following such incidents
• Spaying or neutering requirements for dogs with this classification, alongside behavioral management measures, to help reduce risk to the public and other animals
• Registration and monitoring through appropriate animal control channels

• Clear and enforceable regulations requiring that dogs with this classification not be left outside unattended under any circumstances

• Require dogs that have been officially identified as aggressive to be muzzled in public spaces as a preventative safety measure for both people and other animals

These measures are not extreme—they are preventative. They are designed to reduce future attacks, promote responsible pet ownership, and protect both animals and people.

No pet owner should have to endure the trauma of an attack and then be told it “doesn’t count.”

The safety of our community—and the animals within it—must be taken seriously. With stronger, more proactive policies, New York City can help prevent these incidents before they happen.

Please sign this petition to call on NYC lawmakers to take action and strengthen dog safety regulations.