Tracy Anderson's Poodles Accused of Attacking Neighbor in Hamptons

Monica Enders, 76, claims she was attacked by three of celebrity fitness guru Tracy Anderson's standard poodles on August 9 in Sag Harbor, New York. Enders told the Daily Mail that the dogs escaped from Anderson's yard through a hole in the fence and surrounded her as she took out her trash.

Enders described the ordeal as frightening, stating, "I was facing the dogs but they had me surrounded." She alleges that one of the apricot-colored poodles then darted forward and latched onto her leg, causing deep puncture wounds. After she screamed for help, the dogs reportedly fled back through the fence and hedges into Anderson's property.

Enders said she collapsed on a nearby sidewalk and was assisted by an individual described as Anderson's property caretaker, who helped her call 911. First responders found Enders with blood-soaked pants and two deep bite wounds on her left calf. Photos taken by police reportedly showed a deep laceration on her leg. Enders lost consciousness on the way to the hospital.

Anderson, 51, spoke with police at the scene and told animal control investigators that she was not home at the time but had rushed back. She expressed that she felt badly about the incident and stated the dogs—identified as River, Gigi, and Mando—were already inside her home. She claimed she did not know how they got loose.

East Hampton Animal Control initiated an investigation but was unable to examine the dogs because Anderson and her husband, Christopher Asplundh, reportedly left town with the animals the day after the attack. Animal Control had considered a hearing under New York's Agriculture and Markets Laws, which could impose restrictions or, in extreme cases, lead to euthanasia.

However, the department decided not to pursue the matter further because Enders initially told authorities she was unsure which of the three dogs had caused her injuries. Four days later, on August 13, Enders provided a written statement identifying the apricot-colored dog, which investigators noted was named River, as the one that bit her. The other two dogs, Gigi and Mando, are cream-colored.

Early in the investigation, Anderson was identified as the owner of the dogs. However, she later told investigators that her husband, a business manager, should be held responsible because the vet records were in his name. Asplundh was arraigned on September 8 on six violations for the animals being unleashed and unlicensed, as all dogs over four months old are required to be licensed in New York State.

Asplundh was not present for the arraignment in Sag Harbor Village Justice Court, but his attorney was informed that he would need to appear in person to address the charges. When informed about the alleged unlicensed dog violations, Anderson reportedly stated she was unaware of dog licensing requirements and asked how to proceed.

The couple, who own five dogs in total, purchased their Sag Harbor home in 2021. Prior to the incident, Enders said, the poodles, along with a Cavapoo and a Pomsky, were contained by a hedgerow and a deteriorated stockade fence. Workers were observed installing a wire fence around the perimeter the day after the attack.

Enders has retained an attorney, though it is unclear if she intends to file a lawsuit. The couple's attorney, Edward Burke Jr., stated that his clients were "deeply heartbroken by this unfortunate incident" and that their priority is their neighbor's well-being. He added that the dogs became startled and ran through a "hidden hole in the neighbor's fence that was entirely obscured from our clients' view." He also confirmed that Chris Asplundh "was immediately on the scene, and secured the animals" and that "instant action" was taken to remove the dogs and repair the fence. The attorney also noted that the couple remained in contact with Enders to offer support.

Enders stated she did not hear directly from the dog owners, although an employee of theirs did reach out. A month after the attack, Enders is reportedly still recovering but expressed that the experience had not diminished her affection for dogs.