you 400 people following and supporting this on facebook should be asamed of yourselves. this womens dogs KILLED an innocent little dog and shes acting the shes the victim. you people call yourselves animal lovers? animals lovers... what a joke, i guess no love for the dog that was killed.
it is also appalling how full of denial this women is. does she think the other dog owner ripped his dog apart and then blamed it on her dogs who happened to be in the area. the lack of responsiblilty she seems to have saying my dogs are harmless is the main reason i would not give her the dogs back. if she is that full of denial it is likely she doesnt take extra precaution to make sure something like this doesnt happen again.
cant believe 400 idiots are supporting this, imagine if you were walking your family dog and someones large lose dogs attacked and killed your dog. no real animal lover would support that.

what a shame!!! If its nothing more then a dog bite why punish the dogs at the end of the day they are just helpless animals this is a classic case of bureaucratic red tape

Has the town had these dogs assessed? I do not know too much about it, but shelters assess dogs all the time before giving them out for adoption to see if they are vicious or would react viciously is certain situations. Also, what were the circumstances of the alleged attack? Maybe the big dogs felt threatened. I am not saying it was okay for the dogs to attack... it NEVER is... just that sometimes dogs are just being dogs, and that the big dogs and the "bully" breeds are often blamed without proper evidence. Can anyone, other than the owner of the deceased dog, say for certain that the smaller dog was not vicious, or trying to protect his owner when he met his unfortunate fate?

I always thought Metzler was more dangerous than Cosgrove. Turns out I was right.

We need to start a petition to remove Metzler. That out of towner is making Fair Lawn a less disirable place to live and we pay him over $150,000/yr + benefits to it.

The town is making an example of these dogs after allowing 3 dogs on 3rd street to return home after multiple escapes and terrorizing the neighbors. Unlike that owner Miss Alexander has done everything the town asked before releasing her dogs and the dogs have still not been released.

These dogs have no history of violence or escape. All she is asking is that the town honor its agreement and release her dogs. There is no reason for these dogs to still be in the pound after she met the conditions of the agreement.

There are no witnesses to the alleged "attack" ..it is very sad that the yorkie passed away BUT it was from complications of kidney failure also that was not in anyway related to the alleged incident. The 2 dogs have NO history of aggression..the owner agreed to all terms set force..let the dogs go home...the reason this is such an issue is due to previous incidents with a pitbull in Fairlawn that got out 4 times and nothing was done so now the town is being sued....The pitbull and these two dogs are totally DIFFERENT situations. Due to their size I am sure that is the issue at hand....Big dogs are constantly discriminated against....Let Hope have her dogs back..it is CRUELTY to keep them locked up at a town shelter when they are used to a loving home,,,,

Knowing these dogs personally, I do not believe that they were the agressors. The dogs are always calm and gentle with my children. Who says the other dog did not go after them first and they were protecting themselves. The town even stated that they saw no agression on these dogs since they have been in custody. It's time to release them back to their owner!

I have always been very aware of the severity of the injuries and ive always felt horrible but the only thing i am confused about is the reason behind the incident. I maintain that my dogs are NOT violent with no history but no one can tell me whether they felt threatened and reacted of if it was an accident I have never once heard either of my guys growl ever!!! I have never stated it is IMPOSSIBLE that my guys did this ive said very clearly dogs have no conscience dogs react if they feel unsafe!!!! I am not oblivious to the situation I JUST KNOW MY DOGS!!!!

"But Alexander maintains that the dogs have no history of violence, and says that after a 2011 incident involving a former pet, which according to police records was contained on her own property, she had the dog put down."
sounds like there maybe a history of not properly training your dogs and them being too aggressive

It is the dog owner's responsibility to keep their animals leashed, contained and under control. The owner of the 2 dogs did not. Yes, they were just being dogs. It is up to the humans to keep from from doing damage. If the owner of the smaller dog that was killed was leashed it makes no difference if that dog was vicious or not. I agree with the town in this case. The owner is not taking responsibility and belittling the the damage caused. Not only should the town keep those dogs safe from their owner until a judicial outcome, they should be charging them boarding fees.

The tiny dog was ripped apart like a rag doll by two dog's that escaped this "responsible" dog owners home. After the small dog was left torn up the dogs proceeded to attack the dog owner that was trying to protect the dog, biting his hands, feet, stomach, and face.

I usually give a benefit of doubt and am a very level headed individual. But this is not the first time these dogs have been spotted running around the neighborhood, none the less attacking another animal.

These dogs should be put down, Right after the owner. -K

The victims's dog was killed. It was not just a dog bite.

@wow, There is more to the story. First and for most the other dog was a Yorkie was OFF LEAD and had not had it's shots nor was it licensed, the owner can not even prove how or when they got the dog they are refusing to co-operate in the investigationThat is why the dogs were in quarantine. The two big dogs have been very socialized with people and dogs young and older raised in a home with children and played often with small dogs...never had any issue! And @ Jo Ann yes they were assessed and showed NO Sign of aggression at all! And most interesting of all...I would love to see this police report BECAUSE The officers on scene verbally stated that there was NO blood, and the Vet said there was no blood or tissue or fur in either dogs mouth. The health officer wants to return the dogs. Just saying there is more to it!

@ WOW refrain from callin people idiots. Do you personally know us to call us idiots. Like they say "It takes one to know one. Guess you're an idiot too.

Seriously...this is just crazy and scary for all dog owners. How can the town ignore a judges ruling? They said she can have her dogs back then give them to her! How about animal control...they have spent enough time with the dogs...what do they think?

Dogs that bite people should be put down.

AN IGNORANT ANIMAL OWNER IS A DANGER TO OUR COMMUNITY....... I personally believe that the woman who owns these two dogs is herself a danger to our community. Her shear ignorance in not wanting to accept responsibility for her dog’s actions by asking the town to PROVE that her dogs did the attacking is shear LUNACY and LUNATICS should not be able to own animals. The facts are – her dog/s sent an innocent man to the hospital with serious injury. The facts are – her dog/s attacked an innocent dog ultimately resulting in its death. The facts are – had our Police not stopped the mayhem, who knows who the next victim/s would have been. I have three dogs of my own and I know their every move because I do not let them out of my sight. I'm a RESPONSIBLE dog owner and I have control over my dogs at all times. I myself am a huge advocate of protecting animals but I’m at least realistic about it. These dogs should not be returned to an irresponsible person who cannot be trusted to keep her dogs under control. Who’s to say that one of her friends won’t leave the gate open again? As for the 400+ people following this sob story on Facebook, try putting yourselves in the shoes of the man who was attacked and sent to the hospital. Not only did he sustain serious injury, he lost a family member - his dog. The two dogs currently being held have proved themselves and unfortunately; not in a good way.

@ WOW....First of all learn how to spell "ashamed" and secondly did you look at the pics of Cosgrove eating with 2 little tiny dogs standing up in his plate and he is JUST FINE!!! Here is a scenario for you if my dogs were out of my yard walking and there was a person with a small dog. If that dog and person starting being aggressive BECAUSE the other non leashed dogs were larger and they were afraid, what if the man was kicking and hurting the dogs while the little one was attacking their legs my dogs would probably defend themselves! NOW as no one was there to witness it and the other owner has NOT spoken out no one can JUDGE these animals.... You can only judge from the pictures we see of the non aggressive behavior especially when he is eating. I wouldn't even take the word of the owner b/c she loves her boys but PICTURES DON'T LIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Don't judge people until you know the whole story and YES I AM AN ANIMAL LOVER but if the other owner loved his dog than he would have a license and up to date rabies shots for it! Even the police and animal control told a different story than what is printed in the article. SET COSGROVE AND WILSON FREE!!!!

@Mr. Meltzer....You sound BITTER maybe the mom is correct and you want to make an example out of her because the town is being sued by the other victims....You should do the right thing! Btw is your position an ELECTED one????? HHHHmmm.........?

Once the investigative reporters arrive later today. I am sure she will get her dogs back...unless the town of Fairlawn wants their dirty laundry aired coast to coast

I will follow this case!!! Because it comes down to the breed and size of these dogs. If 2 small dogs attacked, the owners would have their dogs by now. I'm tired of the breed specific legislation and people looking for the easy out. A judge said give the dogs back, who are you to keep them now? Metzler and everyone else is wrong. Give the dogs back. I hope people in the legal community weigh in and fight back because there are many laws that will protect these dogs. Mary, do not give in to these people!!! Keep fighting!

Alexanders dogs Cosgrove and Wilson are unsafe for the community. Anyone who thinks these dogs should be released needs to look at the facts.

-DOGS WERE UNDER ALEXANDERS WATCH

-DOGS ESCAPED

-DOGS WERE ROAMING THE STREETS UNSUPERVISED

-WITNESSES CALLED POLICE ON TWO DOGS ATTACKING A INDIVIDUAL WITH A SMALL DOG

I'm sure if this was a newborn that was attacked by your dogs you wouldn't be asking to see blood. I think your missing the point here. If you are irresponsible to train or contain your 150+ lb. dogs properly. You are a unfit owner.

accident s happen ,she is willing to make sure her dogs never get out and it will never happen again .no one deserves this treatment shes not a non caring owner it was a accident .i have little dogs and i would never let them bark at big dogs and think they are tougher. these pupu r her babies let them go home !

Chris the other owner was not innocent, it was not on lead, it did not have rabies shots, no one is coming forward to say it was a nice dog or vouch for it's nature, it was not getting regular vet care. How on earth can you claim it had a responsible owner?! Hundreds of people can vouch for the big dogs nature of being kind and friendly. The big dogs are very friendly well socialized and well cared for and not aggressive in anyway! HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE KNOW THESE DOGS FOR A REASON>>>THEY ARE FRIENDLY!!!.

To the people that have responded negatively, I hope one day you do not find yourself in the same predictiment. Justice is: Innocent until proven Guilty, that is justifiable to all, including animals. If you were not there and don't know the exact details you shouldn't comment. I hope Hope gets 1 million signatures to support her. My son was a baby and is now 6 and has been around her dogs numerous times and they have been nothing but sweet and loving. Hope's youngest daughter has lived with her pets and nothing has ever happened. So please, do not speak unless you have proven facts.

Nobody knows what happened besides the owner of the yorkie that will not comment...as far as scratch and bite marks...pics were taken and they are tiny scrathes from a small dog Not a Mastiff..the dog died from liver failure which was not due to the so called attack...if a Mastiff bit the guy or the dog there would be Huge bite marks...he could have kicked or punched at the dogs and he can't even remember which dog it was....being the owner of giant breed dogs they are always discriminated against....they got out of the yard by accident it happens....hope is willing to do whatever necessary to get dogs back...innocent until proven guilty..I am behind her 100 percent...and dogs can bite out of fear and not aggression...so please stop bashing her...how would you like it if it was your dog / dogs I am sure you would feel the same as Hope does...

The dogs bite (human or other) the dogs get put down. Period!

The yorkie was not ripped apart!!! It died due to some kidney complications. I was not present during the attack but feel some facts are being held from the public. What I find interesting is that the owner of the yorkie can not be reached. If my pet was killed I would be on Hope's page defending myself...he hasn't said a word. Stop using the dogs size or breed to place blame and get the full story. Also if Fairlawn promised to return the dogs after certain conditions were met they should keep their word.

obviously this is a nice family with lots of friends in town. and many people have met the dogs and think they are well behaved. as a dog owner my dog is very well behaved but ive heard horror stories when others have watched her at their house. dogs are familiar with their owner and house and are usually well behaved, that doesn not mean the dog will act the same if it is out of its element and not w/ the owner.
you people are bias because you know the owners and dog. if cosgrove and wilson were out for a walked and then killed by some random loose dog, would you show this kind of sympathy for that random dog?

@wow.... you are just a loser sitting here making your rediculas comments all day on the computer because it tickles you. Get a job! I am 1 of those 400 followers on facebook and do not know either one of the owners, but i do think if the town sees the dogs as non aggressive, they should go home. Nobody knows on here what exactly happened therefore noone can judge. Even IF the little dog was "torn to shreds" Im sure the the 2 big dogs were teased, antagonized or whatever for it to come to that. Yes, it is very sad that the yorkie died, Im not denying that, but the 2 big dogs r not known to be harmful/aggressive unless provoked..JUST LIKE ANYTHING ELSE IN THIS WORLD!!! As for whoever was saying about being a bad owner....sorry but animals do get loose, just like ur child can climb out of a window while your sleeping, ...that doesnt make you a bad parent. I personally think the bad owner was the Yorkies. No shots?? No license?? Maybe that dog had a disease from not getting shots. What if it bit someone?....Then what? Great owner there!

I heard about this incident and it's tragic. The little dog was mauled! The owner was knocked down by the large dog. the two dogs were circling the man and his mauled dog. Who is the victim here? the man and his dead little dog! no outcry for them?

The dogs did NOT BITE the man! Why do you think he is hiding and won't come forth?

There was NO BLOOD at the scene according to the police report! The man had only a small scratch on one of his hands... Made by his own dog!
His dog died from kidney failure!! The attack is not what killed the little dog!

YOU were NOT there!! You have NOT READ the FACTS!

The little dog:
1. Was NOT on a leash!
2. Does NOT have a license!
3. Dos NOT have any of it's shots.
4. Was ALREADY SUFFERING FROM NEGLECT BY IT'S OWNER.
5. Died from KIDNEY failure, NOT wounds.
6. The man and the little dog made the first move when they saw the 2 big dogs.
7. The man sustained NO INJURIES!

From the court records and the vet report, Ms. Alexander is NOT the one who let the dogs out.
She HAS complied with everything the court has asked of her.

There is no reason for these dogs to still be in the pound since Ms. Alexander HAS assumed the responsibility and HAS met the conditions of the court-ordered agreement.

Both the Animal Control and the Vet has stated that Ms. Alexanders dogs have been tested and watched over and have been PROVEN to be very friendly, loving, gentle and safe dogs.

There are over 1600 supporters and counting! https://www.facebook.com/groups/459150764149607 - This entire case has been blown out of proportion by people who clearly haven't read the facts. Cosgrove and Wilson need to go home.

To the Wow person... you have great energy! Perhaps you can focus it on getting the pedophiles out of your town who shop in your stores and walk among your children, insteaad of hating on two dogs and a single mother. If only all of the town's resources were spent on filthy scum who defile children instead of persecuting two dogs and a law abiding tax payer, maybe I would have more respect for them... just saying

maybe the REAL victim has not spoken because he is thinking about pressing charges and was advised not to make comments on forums like patch.
or maybe he feels intimidated with the fact that his dog was killed by 2 dogs and 400+ are blaming him instead of the dog owners and /or the people not letting the dogs go.
i also find it hypocritical that people like esquire say you were not there so you dont know, however they werent there but its ok for them to assume this guy and his small dog "provoked" the dogs to attack them. and i guess everyones a vet now and can factually say the dog coincidentally died from kidney disease right after this incident.

if Hope took cosgrove and wilson for a walk and they were attacked and killed by a random dog whose owner did not have friends in FL, would you be so sympathetic?

I see everyone is very opinionated to this sad situation and very sad that some people or so narrow minded.......first why is everyone putting the blame on hope and her dogs? Some blame should be put on the yorkie's owner also....If I was walking my yorkie and saw two bigger dogs coming my way don;'t you think you would pick up the yorkie to try to prevent something from happening and why oh why hasn't this poor yorkie been taking care of medically by a vet with vaccines and checkup might explain why he died of kidney complications...an underlying health issue that was never detected because he didn't go to the vet ...very sad.......FREE COSGROVE AND WILSON

I have broken up a vicious dog fight the blood is uncontrollable and everywhere... I had to save the dog being attacked and I got banged up but I wasn't a cry baby about it because dogs are incapable of making rational choices and they didn't contemplate hurting me. I wasn't looking for easy money from the owner of the dog because dogs are part of the animal kindom and the dogs weren't plotting against me in order to take me down. I question the victim who doesn't care about anything and wants the dogs killed ... what kind of character does he have to even say something like that? To have no respect for a living creature and who didn't even care for his own dog properly... stop with the lynch mob already!

@Jules Vernon. You would expect your dog to be put down and pay the price for your own negligence? Dogs are animals. You cannot tske the animal out of them. Don't get a dog if your not prepared to protect and defend them. Sell your house and move with the dog to another town - but euthanize him for something you weren't there to see What were the injuries from the alleged attack to the man? He doesn't even know which dog. So both should die since no one knows which one? You are a sociopath and exhibit depraved indifference. Dogs are a gift not dispensible servants to burned at the stake.

As a Jersey resident and animal lover, I find this both scary and insane! I am an owner of both a large breed pit-mix and have more than 13 years experience with small breeds (Pomeranians & Papillons). My current residents are the 2 year old pit, 6 year old Papillon, 8 year old Pomeranian, 10 year old(blind)Shih Tzu, and 12 year old Golden Retriever, and 3 cats! All of the dogs, with the exception of the Papillon, are rescues from the NYC-ACC, with unknown pasts. Guess who the bully is? The 7# Papillon! She and the 16# Pomeranian INSIST on attacking the 90#+ Pit! They will bark, chase, and bite! The Pit, in defense, has literally put his foot down and snapped back in response - a natural response for any dog! However, I know what could happen should the Pit actually get a hold of one of the little ones. And it wouldn't be because he's "aggressive" or "dangerous," but because of the obvious difference in size and strength! "Intent" is the question used in the legal system when charging a person with a crime and determining guilt. If there was an altercation among the 3 dogs, in my opinion, based on what I've read, is that it's a very sad and unfortunate tragedy for all involved. If these 2 dogs had an altercation with the poor Yorkie, I do not think it was intended as an "attack" but more likely a "response." And again, that's just my "opinion!"

BIG DOG / LITTLE DOG
people keep saying other assume big dogs are bad or aggressive, but i really dont think that is people issue with big dogs.
ive owned many dogs and have realized the small ones are more aggressive and bark at larger dogs. however the big difference is if a little dog attacks or bites something their wont be much harm. a large dog may be less likely to attack but if it does there could be major injuries or death in just a few bites.
people are not judging your big dogs thinking they are evil, they are saying you have to be extra careful w/ them because they can cause a lot of harm if they ever do bite another pet or person

If the yorkie didn't die of kidney failure then what caused the death? If you have been following the story many people have read the same thing. Also if a big dog attacks me I would remember what it looks like. There was a brown dog and a black dog ,that's enough of a difference to be able to pick one. I'm pretty sure the owner of the yorkie knows his colors. At the end of the day facts are missing and if the facts aren't clear these dogs should not be punished.

I don't know who's right & who's wrong here, but the only person who was there is the man whose dog died. He could be, as some have said, planning a lawsuit, & if that's the case, his lawyer would advise him not to post in a public forum. So maybe that's why he's not speaking up. I find it quite interesting that people on both sides of this issue - none of whom were there - are stating that they know the "facts" & pointing fingers at others for doing the same thing.

I'm an animal lover myself, & as such, I have to question people having large dogs, often more than 1, in a typical Fair Lawn home - or any small suburban home. It seems to be, at least, unkind to confine such a large dog as a Great Dane, a Mastiff, etc. to a small home or even a fenced in yard. Just because you like that breed, doesn't mean that the dog enjoys his/her living space. No one can ask the dog, but I wonder how it would answer. They don't really get to run or exercise - even in a dog park. I mean - I'd love a horse, but even if it were allowed, I certainly wouldn't consider keeping one in my back yard. I'm just asking that people consider the animal when you are taking one into your home. If your home is average size, don't think what YOU want, think of the animal and it's needs. And yes, I know that shelter animals need homes, but perhaps they could do a little trading around so that the larger animals get more of a chance to find a home with a really large yard out in the country.

Even though I have taken ownership of the tragic ordeal that occurred on Jan 3, 2013 resulting in the death of a Yorkie there are some people who are under the impression that I have not so let me clarify. I have, will and am taking full responsibilty for the unfortunate incident on Jan 3, 2013 leading to the death of a Yorkie. I have complied with every term made to me by the Health Department in Fair Lawn by agreeing to and fullfilling the following:

1. I agreed to, purchased and placed heavy duty chains and key locks on both gates of my property where only I and my mother with have access to the key.
2. I agreed to and purchased muzzles for both Cosgrove and Wilson to be used any time they are brought off my property.
3. I agreed to short leashes to be used when off my property walking my dogs.
4. I agreed to and submitted to a home inspection where an Animal Control Officer and a Health Department Officer came to my home, evaluated my yard, gates and fence and deemed them both safe and inescapable.
5. I agreed to fullfill the 10 quarantine that was to set to expire on Jan 14, 2014 and have done so....Cosgrove and Wilson are still being help at the animal control shelter.

Also I have placed beware of Dog signs on both gates of my property and again I will state that Cosgrove and Wilson have NO prior history of escapes or violence and have NEVER shown any signs of aggression towards any human or animal

I am completely heartbroken and apologetic for the death of the Yorkie and have from day one been very vocal about taking care of the yorkie's vet bills. My insurance was notified and put on record weeks ago.

I am doing everything to make right what was a unfortunate accidental escape that led to a horrible incident by taking care of the regretfully deceased Yorkie vet bills and agreeing with all the towns request insuring Cosgrove and Wilson never get out again. The guest that was temporarily living with me that left the gate open was asked to leave. I am saddened by the events of the past 4 weeks and my prayers and love go out to the family of the deceased Yorkie.

Love and Blessings,

Hope Alexander

My sister gave ma a yorkie last xmas I have 2 akita also and the yorkie is a nightmare he is the most aggressive dog I have ever owned, I am constantly having to stop him attacking the big dogs he actually makes them yelp and has even drawn blood, when I walk him I pick him up when I see other dogs and even if he was not nasty I would still pick him up jetted safe than sorry. I have walked my big dogs many times and little dog owners always seem to think its funny when there little dogs show aggression nobody except the owner of the yorkie knows what happened maybe the yorkie was the aggressor and the big dogs retaliated,it's very sad the little dog died but I don't think the dogs should be killed.

I have to comment. To Yudy; whether you choose to believe it or not, the Yorkie was ripped apart. It was not a little bite. Refer to the acticle in this Patch from Ed Trawinski please. The dog DID NOT die of kidney or liver failure. It died of severe bite wounds. To giantbreedmama: Tiny scratches? No, I don't think so. If Trawinski gets his way and releases the pictures, I think that will shut you up. While it is true there has not been a public comment from the owner of the Yorkie, I have spoken to him twice so until you have heard both sides and get all your facts straight, maybe you should just be quiet. Innocent until proven guilty? Have you seen the latest posting on FaceBook and in this column from Hope Alexander? Even she admits at this point that there is truth in the fact that her dogs were responsible for the death of the Yorkie. She even goes as far as insisting to pay all vet bills. Now, why would she do that if the dog died of liver or kidney failure and not from an attack? To Jen: Not on lead? Where do you get your information? To finally put that RUMOR to rest, THE YORKIE WAS ON A LEASH. Pictures don't lie? First of all, yeah they do, and second, I will refer to the above mentioned. Have Travinski release the photos of the aftermath. Then, let's hear what you have to say about photos and lies. To Kimberly Rogus: Do you live in FL? Because the pet ordinance specifically says that households in this borough are only allowed 3 dogs and you mention 5. oops

Well done mr. Meztler those dogs need to be put down and the owner of these dogs should be allowed to have any more dogs. The owner have a similar history dated back from 2011. Obviously, the owner and her son are not fit to be pet owner.
As a resident, I want my family and self to be able to walk around town safely. Recently, I've seen too many lost dogs wondering around town.

None of us were at the scene...we can only refer to the facts that were provided by those who arrived at the scene...the so called attackers...didn't have blood on them..if they mauled the dog...they would have been covered in blood , so would have been the owner and the smaller dog...All dogs should be always on a leash..when out of their houses...Cosgrove and Wilson, got out only because someone who was visiting neglected to check the gate...not the dogs fault...they are said to be calm non aggressive animals...they had to have reason to BITE...the dog...my thought little dogs always try to act larger then they are...being not on a leash...approached the dogs and they defended themselves...Some of your comments are very cruel and not correctly stated...You should always see your self in the shoes of someone else before judging...the truth of the matter is..Hope swears that her dogs have never shown any acts of aggression before...and she has done everything in her power to make sure that it will never happen again...Therefore give her and her dogs the benefit of the doubt....! This world has become full of hate and war against one another instead of compassion and understanding...I pray for all of you !

Let the dogs go! This is why the town of fairlawn sucks! There is a court order to let them go! They let murderer's go on bail! This is ridiculous shows how much this town supports the residents.

Yea sure let them go and maul someone else. They are animals who have proven themselves vicious. They need to be put down. Small dogs are more agressive. What a load of hooey. A small dog doesnt do much damage if any and can be controlled by its owner. A 80 - 180 lb dog. Are you insane wanting these monsters free to attack and kill again.

KIM
Too bad people make comments about things they know nothing about. You call the Dogs Monsters, have you ever met them. Just because they are Large dogs they should just be put down, what a MINDLESS thing to say! Maybe you should learn to gather all the facts and maybe meet the Gentile Giants First before you Judge their Life's away! My Goodness Really what is this Planet coming to! I Pray for these two Gentile Giants that they come Home Soon and Pray for the People who are so Quick to decide the Fate of things that they Really know Nothing about! Hope your Furry Friends come home Soon!!!!!!!!!

Yes I do and I am sticking to it. I think you are the MINDLESS one. I wish these dogs lived next door to you and stood by your fence growling, barking, and licking their chops whenever they saw you or maybe your dog. I am certain then you would know the terror the dog owner and his small dog felt just before they pounced. Stop viewing these vicous dogs through rose colored glasses.

Those that insist the dogs be put down are a menace, etc., show they have no understanding whatsoever of the behavior of dogs. In the absence of any witnesses (didn't I already say this?) NO ONE knows if there were actions that provoked the attack - by the Yorkie, by the owner, or by some other event. If the dogs have repeatedly passed a behavior assessment, which is supposed to include interaction with an unfamilar dog, the chances of any repeat behaviior is almost nil. Dogs will seek to defend themselves when they are threatened with behavior that causes them to react defensively. Another dog barking at them, bigger or smaller, can put them into acting in self defense, and by virtue of their size, the little dog is going to be the loser. I think there is no reason to release photos, but it might have put an end to some of the suppositions if the town authorities had just come forward with the the details up front. We've also had a dog we had to put down because of behavior, and that we had them put down shows that we were willing to be responsible and not somehow unable to train a pet; some animals are wired to respond in ways that make them a danger. Having one and recognizing that certainly does not make someone irresponsible. As for the comments about "if it had been a baby in a stroller" and the like, are just plain inflamatory; big dogs, and some particular breeds of big dogs are the subject of ever irrational fear of animals there ever will be.

Everyone continues to ignore the facts in this case.
1. Town entered into an agreement. If certain conditions are met the dogs will be returned.
2. Miss Alexander met the conditions.
3. Town refuses to honor the agreement.

Everything else brought up in these comments is an emotional knee jerk reaction to a very tragic incident and have nothing to do with the issue at hand. They are issues that will be dealt with in a different legal action and have no place in this particular discussion.

What I said was "NO ONE knows if there were actions that provoked the attack - by the Yorkie, by the owner, or by some other event.". Please get it correct if you are going to accuse me of placing blame, because I did not, and furthermore made it pretty clear that dog behavior is not human behavior. The owner not present does not lose her legal rights; she does face additional sanctions, which is what Hope did. The Borough was not happy with the sanction agreement and chose to try to wriggle out of it. At this point it will be settled in court, hopefully, but for any dog owner, the point is that in this community, entering into what you think is a fair and equitable settlement, and accepting blame is still not enough because those that make the laws are of the opinion that they can create the laws on the spot. What happened in past history involving other incidents does not mean what happened in this one has to be treated above and beyond what a reasonable person would expect to happen because in this incident they complied with demands, provided proof of compliance with the demands and were left with complete disregard for their compliance and a new-not-yet-to-be-decided set of demands. Add into this a lack of clear evidence from anyone about the actual attack itself. Not the result but the incident itself. This is ultimately going to a court to settle but it's unfortunate that the town took a position, took another one, and keeps moving the rules to suit themselves
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FYI...Both educated, qualified animal control officers have deemed both my dogs safe and NON aggressive, at least one of the FLPD officers has vouched for the gentle NON aggressive behavior of my dogs to his superior becausee he knows them personally, ALL FLPD officers that have come in contact with my dogs have had nothing but nice things to say and have never felt threatened by either of my dogs, i have had an experienced, certified dog behaviorist evaluate both dogs and in his professional opinion both dogs are gentle and NON aggressive.

since the town is making the yorkie photos available maybe the photos of the gentleman's injuries should be made available as well, considering he is claiming substantial permament damage, those photos are pics of tiny scratches and tiny teeth marks, and considering the police report states he was holding his yorkie thru most of the altercation its very evident that his wounds could not have been inflicted by a 180 lb mastiff or an 80 lb boxer.....BUT OF COURSE THE TOWN ISNT COMMENTING ON THOSE PHOTOS!!! i hate this whole situation happened but i have done all i know to do to make things as right as they can be, ive gotten rid of my house guest that left the gate open, ive complied with ALL the town has asked of me as stated in the settlement made with the health dept on the record in the fairlawn court before its judge and then some, this settlement was made by an authorized health dept officer approved by her supervisor who was PRESENT in the back of the court room during the court hearing the settlement was made in,

Cosgrove and Wilson served their 10 quarantine and were signed off by a licensed NJ vet and i recvd the release paperwork, yet the town STILL refused to release by family pets, MY furry family members.....they have now been in puppy prison for 44 days, they are the ONLY dogs to ever stay longer than the standard 10 day quarantine, not to mention the majority of dog owners were given the option to have their pets serve their quarantine AT HOME!!! i was never given that option. ... MY BOYS ARE NOT THE JEFFREY DAHMER OF THE CANINE WORLD THEY ARE BEING MADE OUT TO BE!!!!!

i have NEVER claimed complete innocence of either of my dogs, although it did come as a complete shock consider they have no history of aggression of violence and ive never even heard them growl!!!!! what i have stated is that ALL dogs small or large are capable of aggression and while God did not supply animal with a conscience or ability to reason in situation they were given the instinct to protect themselves and ANY dog will do that if they feel threatened.... http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/articles/smalltoydogs.htm

im sorry the incident took place im sorry the yorkie did not make it but an eye for an eye mentality is not how this should be handled....my vet vouches for COz and Wilsons temperament in his office, Jeff Coltenback, a well know educated, experienced animal behaviorist has evaluated both boys and vouches for their gentle demeanor, both animal control officers refused to sign them off as dangerous bc they vouch for their gentle nature......what more can i do???