Erin Lanahan 
The owner of multiple dogs connected to altercations in Secaucus and Hoboken was arrested in connection with an off-leash dog attack at the ShopRite in Hoboken. The Hoboken Girl previously reported several dogs and a dog walker were allegedly attacked by multiple unleashed dogs in the parking lot of ShopRite in Hoboken on Wednesday, February 18th. One dog owner alleged that the unleashed dogs approached a group of dogs with a walker and grabbed her dog by the neck, causing puncture wounds. The dog walker who attempted to intervene was also reportedly injured. Here’s what we know about the man arrested in connection with these off-leash dog attacks in Secaucus and Hoboken.
42-year-old Hoboken resident Robert Braxton is facing multiple charges connected to both incidents, according to a joint statement from the Secaucus and Hoboken Police Departments. He is facing second-degree Aggravated Assault and two counts of Endangering Another Person in relation to an incident that happened in Secaucus on Monday, February 16th. He is also facing animal cruelty, Risk of Widespread Injury, and two counts of Simple Assault, disorderly persons offenses relating to the incident at the Shoprite parking lot in Hoboken on Wednesday, February 18th. The report states Braxton has been taken to the Hudson County Correctional Facility pending his first court appearance.
The Secaucus Police Department seized three Cane Corso dogs after receiving authorization from the court and will remain at the Secaucus Animal Shelter. Braxton was scheduled to appear in court regarding the seizure of these dogs on Tuesday, February 24th, but the police departments’ report he was arrested prior to the hearing. It has since been adjourned to Tuesday, March 3rd.
In a statement to The Hoboken Girl about the incident, one dog owner said: “Just want to reiterate how important it is to leash everyone’s dog. Things happen so quickly and can be devastating. We got lucky. Frank was walking with Dogboken dog walkers, and the situation was handled and communicated perfectly. Unfortunately, one of the dog walkers was hurt.”
Upon learning about the arrest, an update was shared in the Hoboken Dog Lovers Facebook Group, saying, “JUSTICE FOR FRANK IS SERVED!!!! Nothing will undo what happened to our sweet boy. Nothing will erase the trauma, the surgeries, the drains, the fear, or the sleepless nights. But knowing that there is accountability brings a small sense of relief during what has been the hardest time of our lives. Frank continues to fight every single day. He is strong. He is healing. And he is so deeply loved. Thank you to everyone who has supported us, prayed for Frank, checked in, and stood by us. We will continue to advocate for him — and for responsible dog ownership — so this never happens to another family. Thank you to the Hoboken & Secaucus PD for making sure accountability was maintained. Justice is a step forward. Frank’s recovery is our focus.”
Additional social media posts on the r/Hoboken Reddit Thread claimed police were called to the scene.
The Hoboken Girl reached out to the City of Hoboken on February 18th, which provided the following statement:
“At approximately 1:00 PM today, the Hoboken Police Department responded to reports of a possible dog attack in the parking lot at 900 Madison Street. The investigation determined that the incident involved a total of 11 dogs. Eight were being walked on leashes by two separate dog walkers when three unleashed dogs exited a nearby vehicle and, without provocation, attempted to attack the leashed group. As a result of the incident, one dog sustained injuries. Both dog walkers also suffered sprained wrists while attempting to control the leashed animals. The three unleashed dogs were secured by their owner and placed back into the vehicle before officers arrived. The owner left the scene prior to police arrival. Authorities later determined that the dogs were subsequently seized by the Secaucus Police Department. This incident remains under investigation, and updates will be provided as they become available.”
On the evening of February 18th, the owner of one of the injured dogs shared an update in the Hoboken Dog Lovers Facebook group. She let the community know that her dog, Frank, is now home and currently has two drains in his neck along with stitches from the incident. He is resting and beginning the recovery process. She also emphasized the importance of keeping dogs leashed and shared a GoFundMe to help support Frank’s recovery.
On February 19th, the Hoboken Police Department shared the following update. “The owner of the dogs involved in yesterday’s attack in Hoboken has been identified as a Hoboken resident. Hoboken Police are investigating that incident, and no criminal charges are being filed by HPD, at this time.
However, the Jersey City Animal Control Officer, on behalf of Hoboken as the City’s contracted animal control agency, has issued three summonses to the owner for having potentially dangerous dogs. He was additionally issued a summons for violating an August 2025 consent order from the Hoboken Health Division, which stated the resident’s dogs would be muzzled and leashed whenever they are out in public. Fines are up to $1,000 for each violation.
Secaucus PD continues to investigate a separate incident that involved the same three dogs, during which two humans received serious injuries. The Hoboken Health Division continues to assist Secaucus PD, which has custody of those three dogs. Three others belonging to the same resident were surrendered to the Jersey City Animal Control.
The dog who was injured lives in Hoboken and has undergone surgery.”
Further reporting from Patch Hoboken revealed that the dogs were involved in a similar attack that sent two people to the hospital earlier in the week. Two guests at the Red Roof Inn in Seacaucus were attacked by three dogs on Monday, February 16th. They were taken to Hackensack Medical Center with severe but non-life-threatening injuries. Secaucus Police Chief Dennis Miller said that the attack took place Monday night in the parking lot of the hotel, after the dogs had escaped from an unlocked door, and that one of the victims had to have surgery on her leg and is still in the hospital as of Thursday, February 19th. According to Chief Miller, the dog owner is a Hoboken resident and a dog breeder.
A Secaucus Animal Control officer was preparing to seize the dogs on Wednesday, February 18th when the Hoboken attacks occurred.
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