NYC Pizzeria Manager Attacked by Dog Owner: A Cautionary Tale for Businesses

Imagine a typical evening at a bustling NYC pizzeria. The aroma of fresh dough and simmering tomato sauce fills the air, and the sounds of friendly chatter and clanging pizza pans create a familiar urban symphony. But in an instant, this idyllic scene can turn into a nightmare, as recently happened when a pizzeria manager was brutally attacked by a dog owner. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers businesses face and the importance of understanding liability and preventative measures. According to the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, there are an estimated 500,000 dogs in New York City. While many are friendly companions, dog bite incidents are a significant public health concern.

The Incident: A Recipe for Disaster

In August 2024, a night manager at Roma Pizza in Manhattan’s Flatiron District was critically injured after an altercation with a customer who brought an unleashed pit bull into the establishment. The manager, Zakaria El Sherif, politely informed the customer, Tyshaun Watson, that dogs were not allowed inside due to health code regulations. This simple request escalated into a violent confrontation.

According to reports, Watson became enraged and attacked El Sherif, dragging him outside, slamming him to the ground, and repeatedly punching and kicking him. Adding to the horror, Watson’s pit bull joined the attack, mauling the defenseless manager. El Sherif was rushed to Bellevue Hospital in critical condition, suffering from fractures, bite wounds, and severe brain trauma, and was placed in a medically induced coma for two weeks.

Legal Ramifications for the Dog Owner

Watson was charged with first-degree assault and attempted second-degree murder. In December 2025, Watson pleaded guilty to two counts of first-degree assault. He is expected to be sentenced to 17 years in prison, followed by five years of post-release supervision.

Understanding New York’s Dog Bite Laws

New York operates under a “mixed” dog bite law, combining elements of strict liability and the “one-bite rule.” This means that determining liability in dog bite cases can be complex.

Strict Liability: New York law holds dog owners strictly liable for medical expenses resulting from a dog bite, regardless of the dog’s history or the owner’s knowledge of its dangerous propensities. This means that even if the dog has never bitten anyone before, the owner is responsible for covering the victim’s medical bills.
The “One-Bite Rule”: For damages beyond medical expenses, such as pain and suffering or lost wages, New York follows the “one-bite rule.” To recover these additional damages, the victim must prove that the dog had a prior history of aggression or that the owner knew or should have known about the dog’s dangerous tendencies. This can be demonstrated through evidence of previous bites, attacks, or aggressive behavior such as lunging, snapping, or excessive barking.

However, a landmark decision in Flanders v. Goodfellow in April 2025 has expanded legal protections for dog bite victims. This ruling allows victims to claim compensation for injuries caused by a pet owner’s negligence, even if the pet has no prior history of bad behavior. This means that dog owners can be held responsible if they fail to manage their animals responsibly and their negligence leads to an injury.

Liability for Businesses: Premises Liability

The attack on the pizzeria manager raises important questions about premises liability. In New York, business owners have a legal duty to maintain a reasonably safe environment for their customers and employees. This duty extends to protecting them from foreseeable harm, including potential animal attacks.

To establish liability against a business owner in a dog bite case, the victim must demonstrate that the owner was negligent in some way. This could include:

Knowledge of a Dangerous Dog: If the business owner knew that a dog on their property had a history of aggression or posed a threat to others, they have a duty to take reasonable steps to prevent an attack.
Failure to Enforce Rules: If the business has a policy prohibiting animals on the premises, they must actively enforce that policy to protect customers and employees.
Negligence in Handling the Situation: Even if the business owner was unaware of the dog’s dangerous propensities, they may be liable if they acted negligently in responding to the situation.

Preventing Dog Attacks: A Proactive Approach for Businesses

While it’s impossible to predict every potential incident, businesses can take proactive steps to minimize the risk of dog attacks on their premises:

Establish Clear Policies: Implement a clear and well-publicized policy regarding animals on the property. If animals are not allowed, make sure this is clearly communicated through signage and employee training.
Employee Training: Train employees on how to handle situations involving animals, including how to politely but firmly ask owners to remove their pets from the premises.
Enforce Policies Consistently: Consistently enforce the animal policy to avoid confusion and potential confrontations.
Risk Assessment: Conduct a thorough risk assessment of the property to identify potential hazards that could increase the risk of dog attacks.
Security Measures: Consider implementing security measures such as fences, gates, or security personnel to control access to the property and prevent unauthorized animals from entering.
Insurance Coverage: Ensure that the business has adequate insurance coverage to protect against potential liability claims arising from dog bite incidents. Homeowner’s insurance in New York often includes liability coverage, which can extend to dog bite incidents whether on or off the property.

Advice for Dog Bite Victims

If you are bitten by a dog in New York City, it’s crucial to take the following steps:

Seek Medical Attention: Prioritize your health and seek immediate medical attention, even for minor bites. Dog bites can cause serious infections and require prompt treatment.
Report the Incident: Report the dog bite to local authorities, such as the police or animal control. This creates an official record of the incident and helps track potentially dangerous dogs. All dog bites must be reported within 24 hours.
Gather Information: Collect as much information as possible about the dog, its owner, and any witnesses. Take photos of your injuries and the location where the incident occurred.
Contact an Attorney: Consult with a personal injury attorney who specializes in dog bite cases. An attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options and guide you through the process of seeking compensation for your injuries.

Compensation Available to Dog Bite Victims

If you are injured by a dog bite, you may be entitled to compensation for the following damages:

Medical Expenses: Coverage for all medical treatment related to the bite, including hospital visits, surgeries, medications, and physical therapy.
Lost Wages: Reimbursement for lost income if you are unable to work due to your injuries.
Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the bite.
Property Damage: Recovery of costs for any personal property damaged during the incident.
Punitive Damages: In cases of extreme negligence or malicious intent, the court may award punitive damages to punish the dog owner and deter future misconduct.

A Call to Action

The attack on the NYC pizzeria manager is a tragic reminder of the potential consequences of irresponsible dog ownership and the importance of taking proactive measures to prevent dog attacks. By understanding New York’s dog bite laws, implementing preventative measures, and seeking legal counsel when necessary, businesses can protect their employees and customers from harm and ensure a safer environment for everyone.