The Dog Story

by: Ericka Aguilar, Carol Fernandez, Eric Pagan

Walking down the streets of the Bronx you will always find a pet owner walking their dog. But it is hard to believe the contrast in the treatment these owners give their dogs. While some dogs live in the lap of luxury and enjoy visits to pet boarding centers, others, like Maximus, a pit bull, are in a living hell. On July 12, Maximus was tied to a tree by his owner, Derick Phanord, and set on fire.

Although dog owners continue to spend large amounts of cash on their pets, others are putting lost of energy into mistreating them. Last year, over 150 cases were filed against dog owners poisoning, beating,and neglecting their animals. According to LookSmart.com, the pet industry has continued to increase, doubling in the last 10 years. While 84 percent of owners treat their pets as well as family members, what
happens to the 16 percent that does not?

Animal cruelty is something that should not happen, said T.Catanno, a clerk at the A&K Pet Store. Believing that animal cruelty is inexcusable, he states that if he ever were to witness animal cruelty, he would make himself responsible for calling authorities.

So, do people spend too much money on their dogs? “I don’t think they spend enough!” said, Mary Tirado, a client at the Animal Hospital on Kingsbridge Road. “I’ve seen people punch their dogs, and I go up to them and tell them how would you feel if that was you?” she said.