A quiet evening walk turned into a nightmare for an Olney woman after three dogs allegedly attacked her and her pet near their home — leaving both injured and raising questions about how Pennsylvania’s dangerous dog law actually works.
Bria Collins says she and her dog, Gretchen, were walking along the 5600 block of North 19th Street on February 17 when three dogs suddenly sprinted out of a nearby house and attacked.
“It’s traumatic,” Collins said. “Just to watch your dog suffer in that way. A lot of people consider their dogs family — I do.”
Sudden Attack Caught on Camera
Collins shared footage from her Ring doorbell camera showing the chaotic moments during the attack. According to her, the dogs rushed toward them without warning.
As she tried to pull her dog to safety, Collins says she was bitten on her finger and arm. Gretchen suffered even more severe injuries.
“She has four deep puncture wounds. She has a bunch of bites all over her body,” Collins said.
The emotional toll, she says, has been just as painful as the physical injuries. Collins now says she feels unsafe in her own neighborhood and plans to move.
Why Filing Dangerous Dog Charges Isn’t Simple
After incidents like this, many residents assume that a dog involved in an attack is immediately labeled “dangerous.” But officials say the process is far more complex.
According to ACCT Philly, a dog cannot simply be declared dangerous by animal control or neighbors. The designation must be determined by a judge.
Before that happens, dangerous dog charges must be filed — and only police have the authority to file those charges.
“In order for a dog to be deemed dangerous, that has to be determined by a judge. Charges have to be filed and they are called dangerous dog charges. The only people who can file them are police,” explained Sarah Barnett, Executive Director of ACCT Philly.
What Happens If a Dog Is Deemed Dangerous?
Even if a judge officially classifies a dog as dangerous, it does not automatically mean the animal is removed from its owner.
Instead, the owner must comply with strict requirements within 30 days. These include:
- Carrying liability insurance
- Muzzling the dog in public
- Ensuring the dog wears a specific identification tag
- Posting a warning sign at the home
If the owner fails to meet these requirements, the legal process can restart, potentially dragging on for months.
“It doesn’t mean the dog is no longer that person’s dog. The owner has the right to say I want to keep my dog and I will comply with the requirements,” Barnett added.
A Community Left on Edge
For Collins, the experience has left lasting trauma. She hopes law enforcement will move forward with charges in her case, but she acknowledges the process may take time.
The incident has also sparked renewed concern among neighbors about unleashed or uncontrolled dogs and whether current laws are strong enough to prevent repeat attacks.
As Collins continues caring for Gretchen’s injuries, she says the emotional scars may take longer to heal.
“It’s something you don’t expect when you’re just walking your dog down your own street.”
