Family wants justice for Maltese killed by Pit Bull

CANARSIE, Brooklyn

The Maltese named Buddy was attacked on East 98th Street in /*Canarsie*/.

Just the thought of Buddy brings Barbara Smith to tears.

"These are pictures of the injuries," Smith said.

The injuries were so severe, that she had to put her Maltese to sleep on Thursday, two weeks after she claims it was attacked by a pit bull.

"I saw the dog charging from across the street," said Sonny Smith, Barbara's son.

The dog was charging through an open gate at a nearby home, and then sinking its teeth into Buddy's back.

"The injuries were very bad," Smith said.

Also bad, she says, was the response, or lack thereof, from the pit bull's owner.

Smith filed a police report and was told the Health Department was notified.

But still, Smith says, the pit bull lives there putting neighborhood children and businesses in jeopardy.

"I don't want a child to die the same way my dog died," Smith said.

Eyewitness News has yet to hear back from the Health Department.

In the meantime, Buddy's family plans to file a lawsuit to cover the cost of the vet bills and the money to buy a new dog.

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