Two Dogs Ordered to be Euthanized After Killing Poodle and Injuring Owner in New York

Two guardian dogs from the Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture in Westchester County, New York, have been ordered euthanized after they escaped from the farm, killed a miniature poodle, and seriously injured its owner, Yong Ging Qian.

The incident occurred on February 6 when the dogs, a Great Pyrenees named Luna and an Akbash named Owyn, encountered Qian and her 10-pound poodle on a public footpath in a New York State park.

The attack resulted in the death of the poodle and left Qian with severe injuries, including a mangled hand, several broken ribs, brain haemorrhaging, and a mild heart attack. As a result of the incident, a local judge ordered the dogs to be euthanized. The Stone Barns Center, which is tied to the high-end restaurant Blue Hill at Stone Barns, has filed an appeal to stay the euthanization order.

The farm has defended its safety practices, stating that this incident does not reflect on the broader safety of its guardian dog and livestock program. However, the attack has raised questions about the farm's practices and whether they contributed to the dangerous situation. Former employees and experts have questioned the effectiveness of the farm's fencing, although the Stone Barns Center maintains that it uses industry-leading fencing and that animal escapes are infrequent occurrences on farms.

Why this matters: The incident highlights the potential risks associated with the use of guardian dogs in agricultural settings and the importance of effective containment measures to ensure public safety. It also raises concerns about the responsibility of farms and the consequences they may face when their animals cause harm to others.

Qian is considering filing a lawsuit against the Stone Barns Center due to the extent of her injuries. The fate of the dogs, Luna and Owyn, remains uncertain as the appeals court reconsiders the euthanization order. The farm continues to defend its practices, stating that the attack was an isolated incident and does not reflect the overall safety of its guardian dog program.

Key Takeaways

• Two guardian dogs from Stone Barns Center killed a poodle and injured its owner.
• The dogs were ordered to be euthanized, but the farm appealed to stay the order.
• Farm defends safety practices, but former employees question fencing effectiveness.
• The incident highlights the risks of guardian dogs and, the importance of containment measures.
• The injured owner is considering a lawsuit against the farm over the attack.