Luke, above, was shot and killed by James Molloy, below, in downtown Yorktown on Aug. 5
On August 5, Yorktown resident James Molloy shot and killed a beloved dog, Luke, along Route 118 in the middle of town. Apparently, Molloy’s dog and Luke were fighting, so Molloy, a retired NYPD Lt., took out his gun and shot and killed Luke.
Many of us in Yorktown and the surrounding communities know Luke and Matt Steele, who are experiencing homelessness. Both Matt and Luke stayed behind the empty supermarket along Route 118.
Matt and Luke haven’t caused any trouble over the past few years while in Yorktown at three locations.
Several friends of mine in Yorktown have poured out their love for Matt and Luke and helped them stay warm in the winter and well fed.
There are also another hundred or so Yorktown residents who visit Matt and Luke, bring them food, and keep them company.
Matt and Luke are beloved citizens of Yorktown. And both the Town and the Yorktown Police have done their best to try and help Matt and Luke within the law.
Town Supervisor Ed Lachterman said, “There are no laws on any books about being homeless. Matt also stays on private property with the permission of the owner.”
Luke has always been a friendly dog to the many visitors who come by.
It’s within this context that James Molloy comes along, apparently with a loaded weapon, and decides to shoot another dog fighting with his dog. We also wonder how Mr. Molloy, a Yorktown resident, did not know about Matt and Luke. But it’s possible.
Molloy, 61, is charged with aggravated cruelty to animals and reckless endangerment, which requires proving that while shooting in the middle of town, Molloy presented a “grave risk of death to others.
Molloy was within his rights, as a retired law enforcement officer, to carry a firearm. He was released on bail and is due back in Yorktown court on Aug. 11. Because Molloy was arrested for a felony, the case will be transferred to county court.
Town Supervisor Ed Lachterman said, “The disturbing news about a Yorktown resident fatally shooting a husky-shepherd mix named Luke on Route 118 on Wednesday has deeply affected our community. I was not present, and it would be inappropriate to speculate about the precise circumstances surrounding the incident. I did know Luke, having taken him on walks over the years, and I found him to be a curious and friendly dog. My heart goes out to his owner, who is well known in our community, and to everyone who has been impacted by this tragic event.
“The shooter has been charged with two felonies, and the justice system must now be allowed to determine the facts and hold anyone accountable if warranted. This incident also serves as a reminder that the lawful ownership of firearms carries with it a profound responsibility to exercise sound judgment and use deadly force only when it is truly necessary. I hope this case is resolved fairly, based on the evidence, while our community continues to support those affected by this tragedy.”
Matt Steele provided a statement to The Journal News which included “The unnecessary shooting of a dog in a scuffle with another dog is a crime. All dog owners know you don’t shoot a dog because there is a disagreement between dogs or territory,” Steele’s statement said.
Steele’s statement is aligned with most Yorktown residents who did not support Molloy’s decision. Among the Facebook posts were;
“All of these heartfelt posts and replies should be presented in court to prove how loved and gentle Luke was. I can only hope justice will be served.”
“Too many with firearms react too aggressively!”
“No need to shoot to kill – since the other dog was not even injured! Animal cruelty is also a law – discharging firearms also has laws.”
“People have this happen and get the dogs back under control. A gun is not the answer! How outrageous to even suggest that it could be appropriate.”
“My neighbor’s dog was recently bitten on the bike trail… she has a little dog – King Charles Spaniel – no dog was killed!” Both owners worked it out – dogs separated – vet bills, etc. That’s how responsible dog owners behave!!
“Stop focusing on the guy’s homeless situation! It’s irrelevant to his dog being shot dead!! “
“All dog owners should be prepared to handle situations appropriately when their dogs are taken out in public – anything can happen in a split second – that doesn’t give anyone permission to kill – unless their life is in danger! “
Several comments included witnesses to the incident.
This man should not have been carrying a gun while out walking his dog. Had he not been, Luke would still be alive.
The SPCA Police had been called a couple of times by people concerned about the dog. They came up and examined him and found him to be in very good health and very well taken care of.
Luke was not a threat. And as a dog owner, it scares me to the core that a person would pull a gun on one of my dogs and shoot to kill. I walk them daily, and things happen. I had a dog break off a leash at FDR and charge my two dogs and me; never would I have thought to pull a gun on the dog and shoot it. Disproportionate response. There are so many ways to break up a dog fight.”
“I’m a licensed handgun carrier for over 30 years. One of the most basic responsibilities that comes with carrying a firearm is understanding that you are accountable for every single round you fire. You need to know your target, what is around it, and what is beyond it. The fact that you believe you had a reason to shoot at something doesn’t automatically excuse the danger created by discharging that firearm.”
This reporter has had several positive experiences with both Matt and Luke. I do know that in speaking to Matt, he wanted to stay where he was, with his partner Luke. And according to the law, with the owner’s permission, he was entitled to do that.
We are praying for you, Matt.