Ex-Officer Says Police Dog Attacked Him

By Matt Green

Published on August 05, 2005

McNally, who had to retire over the dog bite injuries, contends that part-time officer Kenneth Owen could've prevented the attack. The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages for pain and medical expenses.

McNally argues that Owen, as the dog's trainer, is liable for damages and subject to state negligence laws.

On Nov. 1, 2003, McNally and another officer were dispatched to Pelham High School to talk to a despondent man identified only as E.J. While McNally talked with E.J, Owen arrived and released Duke from his police car.

E.J. pulled a pipe out of the ground, and McNally tackled him. As the two were wrestling on the ground, Duke jumped in without being commanded, and bit McNally's right leg, the suit says. Owen did not command Duke to stop.

When Owen finally pulled Duke off McNally, the dog suddenly attacked McNally a second time without command. Duke bit his right leg several times, causing multiple lacerations and severe puncture wounds, the suit says. The dog also bit E.J., who was sitting after being sub-dued with pepper spray.

Owen, who refused to comment, is also a police officer in Hampstead and owns the Allbreeds Canine Training Center in Pelham.

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