D.A.'s Office Asks Victims of Prospect Park Dog Stab Attacks to Come Forward

The Office of the Kings County District Attorney is interested in speaking to individuals who have had "incidents" with the man whoallegedly stabbed a dog in Prospect Park in May.  

In a letter to FIDO, the Fellowship in the Interest of Dogs and their Owners, authorities asked to speak to anyone who had run into Donnell Barden, 42, who was arrested Aug. 5 and charged with aggravated animal cruelty, menacing and criminal possession of a weapon.

During the May 17 incident, Barden allegedly allowed his pit bull to go after a lab/husky mix and then joined in on the attack, stabbing the dog nine times in the dog's shoulder area. When the dog's owner tried to intervene, Barden allegedly threatened him with a knife. Police are investigating the possibility that Barden is also connected to an August attack against a dog in Prospect Park.

Barden was released from custody after posting bail, which angered residents who expressed concern to the the D.A.'s office. 

"I can understand why the defendant's release on bail is upsetting to you and other FIDO members given the allegations against him," Deputy District Attorney Dianne E. Malone to FIDO said in a letter the group has posted on its Facebook page. "The People requested that a higher bail amount be set, but the ultimate determination is at the court’s sole discretion."

Barden is due back in court in February. 

In the meantime, Barden was ordered by the Court to stay away from the two alleged victims and their dogs. 

Malone asked to be advised if anyone else has problems with Barden. 

"Though these orders only are for the individuals named, thus the order of protection does not extend to other people in the Park, should more witnesses and victims come forward, we will request an order of protection on their behalf from the court," Malone said in the letter.