Couple from Dongan Hills is sentenced for two pit bull attacks

A Dongan Hills couple was sentenced to jail Thursday for two attacks by their pit bull, the Staten Island Advance reported.

John Chan, 23, faces three years in prison and two years’ post-release supervision for the assault and unrelated drug convictions. His girlfriend, Elise Guzman, 23, received a sentence of 90 days in jail and five years’ probation.

The dog attacks happened two two days apart in May 2010. The first time, the 60-pound pit-bull bit into a 45-year-old woman’s leg after the victim and Guzman had been arguing. The animal tore the woman’s calf to the bone and would not let go until Chan came out and slammed a door on its head.

Two days later, the dog clamped down on a 19-year-old woman’s crotch while Chan was walking him. The pit bull would not let go until Chan slammed his head into a door again.

Police then seized the dog and stuck him in an Animal Care and Control facility in Manhattan, where he bit three trainers before the officials just went ahead and killed him.

Chan and Guzman pleaded guilty four months ago to second-degree assault. Their case became further complicated, however, when they were charged last July with dealing oxycodone, marijuana and cocaine out of their home.

About Barry Lank

Barry Lank is a former TV and radio writer, and, like most people, was editor of the Courier-Post opinion page in Cherry Hill, at some point. If you look up, you'll realize he's watching you read this. | View all posts by Barry Lank