Joe Columbus Arrested in Courtroom; Pit Bulls That Mauled Penny the Chihuahua Still Unaccounted For

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Joseph Columbus, owner of two pit bulls involved in attacks on small dogs, including the viral attack of a chihuahua named Penny in May 2025, was arrested Thursday in a New York County courtroom for civil contempt after failing to comply with court orders to surrender the animals. Columbus had been missing for months, skipping court dates, leading police on a high-speed chase, and leaving local message boards, where residents had passionately discussed the case and concerns about the dogs, wondering what had happened.

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In October, a Manhattan judge ruled that there was strong evidence the dogs were dangerous and ordered Columbus to hand over the animals, Rambo and Zooey. The plaintiffs — Lauren Block on behalf of Grover and Chuckie, and Devon Allen and Lauren Claus on behalf of Penny — filed their case on May 27. Columbus never surrendered his pit bulls, which remain at large today.

Records from the New York Civil Court on December 11 show that Columbus was listed as an under-occupant of 491 Columbus Avenue (between West 83^rd and 84^th), Apt. 2-N, along with his mother, Lucia Columbus. The landlord, 491 Columbus, LLC, filed a holdover petition after the tenants failed to vacate following the expiration of their lease on July 10, 2025. The petition described disruptive behavior in the apartment, including loud screaming and yelling, reports of marijuana use in the hallways, and unresolved violations related to the removal of dogs from the premises.

While appearing in court for his civil case, Judge Phaedra F. Perry Bond found Columbus in criminal contempt for failing to obey the ruling to surrender his pit bulls. Court documents state that Joseph Columbus is to be taken “into the care and custody of the New York City Department of Correction, there to be incarcerated for a period of ninety (90) days, commencing December 11, 2025.” He could secure an early release by providing the location of the dogs or sharing “the contact information of the person or persons harboring the dogs.” The only other option is if the dogs are taken into custody by the New York City Animal Care and Control. The dogs remain at large, while Columbus now sits behind bars.

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Columbus faces strict consequences if he fails to cooperate. Under the court’s order, he can secure an early release only by providing the location of his pit bulls or sharing the contact information of anyone harboring the dogs. The other possibility for release is if the dogs are taken into custody by New York City Animal Care and Control. If neither of these conditions are met, Columbus will serve the full 90-day sentence. After the 90 days, if the dogs are still at large and he has not complied with the court orders, Columbus could face additional legal action, including being returned to jail until the dogs are surrendered.

In October, the court held Columbus strictly liable for $21,697.26 in veterinary expenses incurred by Lauren Block on behalf of Grover and Chuckie, plus statutory interest to be computed by the Clerk upon entry of judgment. The case has drawn attention to the enforcement of dangerous-dog laws and the accountability of pet owners when their animals harm others. The case is still developing, with authorities continuing to search for Rambo and Zooey and monitoring compliance with the court’s orders.

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