Make a Difference
How You Can Help
The family wants accountability for Neelu's death and for those responsible to take responsibility. Here's how you can make a difference.
The Bigger Problem
Neelu's story is not unique. In New York City, if your dog is attacked and killed by another dog, there is almost no legal path to accountability. The system treats it as a property dispute — not a matter of public safety.
Dogs are "property" under the law
Under current New York law, dogs are classified as personal property. If someone's dog kills your dog, the legal system treats it the same as if someone broke your television. There is no recognition of the bond between a family and their pet, no acknowledgment of the trauma inflicted.
No criminal accountability for dog-on-dog attacks
Unless a human is seriously injured — and "seriously" means something like losing a limb — there is no criminal case. You can have slight injuries and emotional trauma. You can watch your dog die in front of you. But the law only cares about the severity of human injury. This creates a system where negligent and dangerous dog owners face no consequences.
The system is not equipped
Neelu's family did everything the system asks: filed police reports, filed 311 complaints, reported the bite to the Department of Health. The police were dismissive. The DOH Animal Bite Unit hasn't responded. Even when the man handling the dogs came to the precinct to give a statement, the police refused to take it. The system failed at every level.
This will keep happening
Without legal consequences, negligent dog owners have no incentive to control their animals. Dogs that have attacked before will attack again. The people responsible can hide behind the law's indifference. Until the law changes, every dog owner in New York City is at risk.
Penny's Law Can Change This
Penny's Law (Assembly Bill A08462 / Senate Bill S8293) would strengthen accountability for dog attacks in New York. It would give families like Neelu's a legal path to justice and create real consequences for negligent dog owners.
See how to support Penny's Law →Paws for Justice
Paws for Justice is a grassroots movement based out of New York advocating for stronger state laws and public safety measures to protect pets and their families. Support their work.
Visit pawsforjustice.com →What the Family Is Seeking
Neelu was killed on February 16, 2026 in Sunnyside, Queens, New York City. His family is pursuing five goals:
-
1
Accountability
Hold the owner(s) of the dogs accountable for Neelu's death and the human injuries sustained in the attack.
-
2
Public Safety
Have the dogs declared dangerous. These dogs are poorly trained, have a suspected history of attacks, and are likely to attack again.
-
3
Accountability Through the Legal System
Criminal and/or civil action against the responsible parties.
-
4
Media Coverage
Local news awareness to pressure authorities to act and warn the public.
-
5
Legislative Support
Support for Penny's Law (Assembly Bill A08462 / Senate Bill S8293), which would strengthen accountability for dog attacks in New York City.
Support Penny's Law
Penny's Law (Assembly Bill A08462 / Senate Bill S8293) would strengthen accountability for dog attacks in New York City. Current law treats dogs as property, leaving families like Neelu's with almost no legal recourse. Call your representatives and ask them to support this bill.
Sends one email to all four representatives at once via BCC — each receives it individually
Suggested Call Script
"Hi, my name is [your name] and I'm a constituent. I'm calling to ask [Assembly Member / Senator] to support Penny's Law — Assembly Bill A08462 and Senate Bill S8293. A dog named Neelu was recently killed in a brutal attack in Sunnyside, Queens, and the current laws offer almost no accountability for dog owners whose animals cause serious harm. Penny's Law would help change that. Thank you for your time."
Suggested Email Template
Subject: Please Support Penny's Law (A08462 / S8293)
Dear [Assembly Member / Senator],
My name is [Your Name] and I am a constituent writing to urge you to support Penny's Law — Assembly Bill A08462 and Senate Bill S8293.
On February 16, 2026, a dog named Neelu was killed in a violent attack by two off-leash dogs in Sunnyside, Queens. His owner was also bitten trying to protect him. Under current New York law, dogs are treated as property, leaving families like Neelu's with almost no legal recourse when their pets are killed or seriously injured.
Penny's Law would strengthen accountability for dog owners whose animals cause serious harm. I respectfully ask you to co-sponsor and support this important legislation.
Thank you for your time and service.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Paws for Justice is a grassroots advocacy organization in New York fighting for stronger state laws and public safety measures. Learn more about their work and how you can support them.
Contact Officials
108th Precinct
5-47 50th Ave, Long Island City, NY 11101
The 108th Precinct refused to take a statement from the man who was walking the dogs that attacked and killed Neelu. The family was told to pursue civil court.
Community Board 2, Queens
CM Julie Won's Office
Has liaison with the 108th Precinct and experience with violent dog attack cases in the district.
Report an Incident
Have you been attacked or threatened?
If you or someone you know has been attacked or threatened by these dogs or their owner, please email us and tell us your story. Every report helps build the case for accountability.
Email forneelu@gmail.com →