Community Corner

Westfield Resident and Pet Attacked by Pit Bull

Craig Anctil received treatment at Overlook Hospital for puncture wounds. His dog suffered mild abrasions.

Westfield resident Craig Anctil, his wife, Judy, and their 18-month old poodle/shih tzu mix, Joey, were on their way home from a long walk shortly after noon on Saturday, April 14 when Craig and his pet were attacked by a pit bull/boxer mix on Brightwood Avenue. 

Craig said he heard a woman scream and saw the pit bull/boxer mix running toward them down Brightwood near Cleveland Avenue.

"While trying to fend off the attacking dog, I tried to keep my dog high in the air away from the aggressor while my wife was yelling for help," Craig said. "In doing so, I received a bite wound to my left upper thigh, and my left arm just below the wrist, and Joey had a bite to his lower leg. I eventually was able to grab my hand around the collar of the unleashed dog and the dog owner brought her aggressive dog back to the house.

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"Luckily for us a Good Samaritan from Westfield named Jennifer Pool let us climb in the back of her SUV. While in the back seat, Ms. Pool called 911 for us."

Craig said during that time the pit bull's owner, Deborah Metzger, approached them to apologize. However, her dog escaped from the house again but she was able to secure the dog without further injury occurring.

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When Westfield police officers arrived, Metzger, of Brightwood Avenue, was issued a summons, with the offense listed as "vicious dog." 

Police officers also advised Craig that he should seek immediate medical attention.The transported him to Overlook Hospital, where he received stitches for the puncture wounds. 

"Ms. Pool drove my wife and Joey to my house and my wife then went to the Westfield Vet Group," Craig explained. "After receiving antibiotics and ex-rays, (it was determined) Joey had only mild abrasions to his back left foot.

"My wife and I agree if I didn't fend off the dog, Joey would probably been dead or very seriously injured. As for myself, I had a dog bite to the upper left thigh with one puncture wound, and my wrist had several puncture wound in which one needed three stitches, and another needed just one."

Craig said he and his wife are in the process of deciding whether or not they will press charges against Metzger. Craig said he wanted to share the story with Westfield residents and fellow dog owners so that they are aware of potential danger. He also expressed his gratitude toward Pool for taking the time to come to their aid.

"I really want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Jennifer Pool for helping us out that day," he said. 

Both Metzger and the Anctils were issued summonses for failure to obtain current dog licenses, a violation of Westfield's . 


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