‘Apartment Dogs’

A Springs second-home owner was brought in to East Hampton Town Justice Court Monday in handcuffs.

James Pine, 50, had been ticketed on May 31 by an East Hampton Animal Control officer because his two English bulldogs, Penelope and Theo, were found to have no licenses. Twice thereafter, in July and August, Mr. Pine failed to appear in court, leading Justice Steven Tekulsky to issue a warrant for his arrest.

Mr. Pine reportedly went to the courthouse Monday to resolve the outstanding tickets, but because of the warrant he was arrested. Soon after, he was brought before Justice Lisa R. Rana.

He asked the court whether he could just pay a fine, noting that the dogs spent most of their time at his apartment in the city. “Do apartment dogs need a license?” he asked.

“Yes,” Justice Rana told him. New York City requires dogs to be licensed as well, she said.

Mr. Pine will need to resolve the matter with Justice Tekulsky, since he is on his calendar, by bringing proof that the dogs are now licensed.

“This whole thing is freaking me out,” Mr. Pine said as an officer removed the handcuffs and set him free.