By Joe Whalen
A Glen Oaks Village resident and her small dog both suffered serious injuries last month when they were attacked by a neighbor’s pit bull, the woman’s lawyer said.
Laurence L. Love, an attorney based in Forest Hills, said Frances Gaetano had sustained broken bones as well as damaged tendons and nerves in her right hand in the attack that occurred Sept. 20 at 6:40 p.m. in a common area near 77th Crescent and 76th Avenue.
“She was seriously injured as a result of the actions of the dog-owner and the dog,” Love said of his client, adding that her injuries require surgery.
Gaetano was treated and released that evening from Winthrop Hospital in Mineola, L.I. Her dog, a 4-year-old fox terrier named Petey, was treated at Ultravet Emergency Center in Mineola that evening for six puncture wounds, two of which needed a pair of sutures, according to veterinary spokeswoman Jennifer Lee.
Love said he plans to file a civil action for monetary damages on behalf of his client, but would not specify the amount they will seek.
“It’s certainly going to be substantial,” he said.
Neither he nor the woman would identify the neighbor.
Randy Gunther, controller for Glen Oaks Village, reviewed the association’s by-laws Monday and cited its rules on canines, saying “dogs must be on a leash at all times, and should never be left unattended,” and that “grounds won’t be used as a dog run.”
Gunther said he knew of no restrictions on breeds owned by residents, but added that he didn’t “know much” about the incident.
“At this point, I don’t have enough details to comment,” he said.
Love said the pit bull had been leashed, but “the owner had lost control of the dog.”
Officer Nicole Dean of the 105th Precinct’s community affairs department confirmed Monday that a report had been filed in the case showing that the victim had been bitten by a dog at Glen Oaks Village and transported to a hospital.
Reach reporter by Joe Whalen by e-mail at Timesledgr@aol.com or call 229-0300, Ext. 146.
