A Soho dog walker is suing Vikram Chatwal, saying the hotelier’s alleged attempt to set ablaze two Jack Russell terriers in her care has deeply traumatized her.
Vikram Chatwal was arrested earlier this month in regards to the incident. Isabell Suquilanda says she was walking the dogs, both of which belong to British gallerist Sean Kelly, on Wooster Street in early October. In court papers she alleges that Chatwal “suddenly sprang out of the front door of his residence and without the slightest provocation attacked the two dogs,” the New York Post reported. She is suing for unspecified damages.
The dogs received minor injuries. Suquilanda was physically unhurt but her attorney, Scott Harnas, says her “entire world view” has been altered.
“She’s very anxious. Anyone she sees on the subway is a potential assailant,” he said, according to the Post.
Chatwal founded the Dream Hotel. He has been charged with criminal mischief, arson and torturing animals. He is due back in court in December. [NYP] — Miriam Hall