A Morris County dog owner is speaking out after what he says was a violent and unexpected attack during a routine walk with his pet.
Stephan Legros says he was walking his dog, Beastington, on the evening of March 24, when two off-leash dogs suddenly rushed toward them.
“We were blindsided by a dark figure, and when I looked behind him, I noticed my dog was being attacked by another dog,” Legros said.
He says the attack happened quickly, leaving little time to react.
“A very horrific moment… trying to pull the dogs apart, it just wasn’t happening fast enough,” he said.
Legros says Beastington suffered serious injuries, including wounds to his neck and lower body. The dog is now recovering.
According to Legros, this may not have been an isolated incident. He says other residents at the complex in Flanders told him they’ve had similar encounters.
“A couple of other people told us this has happened to them, too. One person said it happened in October. When we called animal control, they told us this is the fourth incident since she’s been living here,” he said.
Legros claims the owner of the other dogs initially agreed to cover veterinary expenses but has since stopped responding to messages.
“If this is the third or fourth incident, something should be done,” he said.
Legros and his wife say they reported the incident to both police and property management, but claim no action has been taken. They also point to lease rules requiring dogs to be kept on a leash at all times.
“Our lease states that dogs have to be on a leash at all times in the complex. Is anything going to be done?” said his wife, Rhonda Legros.
The family has since started a GoFundMe to help cover Beastington’s medical bills.
News 12 has reached out to the dog owner and local animal control, but has not yet heard back.