Neighborhood is no place for huge dogs

[Moderator]

From Bob and Susanne Principato:

In light of a recent court decision involving Rocky, one of four 100-
pound Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs living in our tightly-knit Haddonfield
neighborhood, our justice system seems more concerned with protecting
a dog owner than preserving the safety of borough residents.

Over the past several years, our neighbor’s dogs, who were bred to aid
lion hunters in South Africa, have repeatedly run free throughout our
neighborhood, terrorizing adults, children and other dogs. This is a
matter of public record. The leader of the pack, Rocky, has reportedly
bitten five people including four children. One required plastic
surgery, another needed psychiatric counseling. The adult victim, a
physician, required 30 stitches to close arm wounds.

Last September, Haddonfield Municipal Court Judge John Spence deemed
Rocky “potentially dangerous.” The owner appealed and, in a ruling
that defies logic, Camden County Superior Court Judge John Mc Neil
overturned the ruling, claiming Rocky was “provoked” and bit his
victims in "self-defense." Although Judge Mc Neil suggested the
borough implement an ordinance limiting the number of dogs per
household, we aren't sure this is the answer.

We recommend – for the safety of our family and others – that
Haddonfield Commissioners consider not only appealing Judge Mc Neil's
decision but also strengthening penalties against irresponsible pet
owners. This issue should be discussed in the upcoming Commissioners'
election. Our community needs to clarify who, exactly, is responsible
for actions of potentially dangerous dogs.

Judge Mc Neil professed his love of dogs in his ruling overturning
Rocky’s “potentially dangerous” designation. We love our dog too. But
that’s not the point. Dogs like Rocky deserve secured, spacious
environments. Our neighborhood is not appropriate for a pack of four
100-pound dogs. Failing to act will be harmful to Haddonfield, our
neighborhood – and Rocky.