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NYC ACC KILLS, published by TSNY, enumerates and memorializes adoptable cats and dogs who were nonetheless exterminated by Animal Care Centers of New York City.

Every week, NYC ACC KILLS subscribers receive The Weekly Carnage: bios, photos and videos of adoptable cats and dogs known to be recent ACC victims. Subscribers also get monthly memoriam posts that include ACC data summaries along with an updated compendium of animals whose lives were ended by ACC that month. Videos from current and prior months may also be found on The Scoop New York’s YouTube channel.

For more New York companion animal news, follow NYC ACC KILLS and The Scoop New York on social media.

About NYC ACC KILLS memoriam posts

Like virtually all New York City officials, including Mayor Zohran Mamdani, NYC ACC staff as a rule do not respond to uncomfortable questions concerning the kill pound they’re responsible for. Information in NYC ACC KILLS memoriam posts, therefore, is drawn from reader tips, records ACC has chosen or is required to make public, and the ACC “at-risk outcomes” list.

As evidenced by its monthly and annual outcome data reports, ACC kills far more cats and dogs than appear on the at-risk list. ACC exterminates many healthy and adoptable cats and dogs without first offering them for adoption. Victims of this ACC practice are known among advocates as “silent kills.”

Under direction from higher-ups including chief DVM Robin Brennen, ACC will often spay or neuter a cat or dog only to exterminate her or him during recovery, or soon after. This practice is known as “spay-neuter-kill.”

Known silent kills and spay-neuter-kill victims are identified as such by NYC ACC KILLS.

Since cats are underrepresented on ACC’s “at-risk outcomes” list, they are also underrepresented here.

Due to gaps in ACC record-keeping, memoriam posts are, sadly, bound to be incomplete. The Scoop New York continually adds names and images of ACC victims to NYC ACC KILLS as we find them. Follow NYC ACC KILLS and The Scoop New York on social media for updates.

If you’re with a rescue, or you’re an NYC ACC volunteer, and would like to contribute images of exterminated cats and dogs — or tell us about your experience working with ACC — please contact The Scoop New York. Discretion guaranteed.

A note about names: Many animals come to NYC ACC with unknown histories, including their names. In addition, ACC does not always use the name a cat or dog is accustomed to, even if the agency knows what it is. As a result, many animals exterminated by ACC are never properly identified. Unfortunately, for the most part NYC ACC KILLS has only the names provided by ACC, even if those names are incorrect or nonsensical. ACC-assigned names are presented here without quotation marks unless TSNY can confirm an animal was known by a different name when admitted to ACC.

ACC operates under putative supervision by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, which endorses the publicly-funded killing of healthy and adoptable cats and dogs at will and with impunity.

CHIEF NYC ACC VETERINARIAN

Robin Brennen: Email 1, 2

OFFICIALS RESPONSIBLE FOR NYC ACC OVERSIGHT

NYS Ag Commissioner Richard Ball: 518-457-2771; Email

Mayor Zohran Mamdani: Contact form

City Council Speaker Julie Menin: 212-788-7210; Email

Council health chair Lynn Schulman: 212-788-6981; Email

Comptroller Mark Levine: 212-669-3916; Contact forms

Public Advocate Jumaane Williams: 212-669-7250; Email

City Council members: Lookup

Borough presidents: BX; BK; MN; SI; QS

NYC DOH Commissioner Alister Martin: 311; Contact form

NYC DOH ACC minder Corinne Schiff: 646-632-6496; Email

In memoriam

Chiquita [255734]: 7 years old; killed June 27. Chiquita, an owner surrender, was “a sweet cat who might need a little time to adjust to her new home.” At ACC, she was calm, allowed all petting, leaning in for cheek rubs and gave gentle head butts.

On intake, ACC noted she was healthy and possibly pregnant so they prioritized her to be spayed, killing the kittens. Chiquita was nauseous the next day, stopped eating, and three days later had a severe upper respiratory infection.

ACC wrote, “She needs supportive care in a veterinary clinic in order to recover.” Apparently ill-equipped, or unwilling, to give her the supportive care she needed at the shelter, they killed Chiquita on day 17.

Carmelo [253718]: 5 years old; killed June 28. Carmelo’s human passed away and his extended family surrendered him due to housing issues; he had lived with them most of his life. They said he was affectionate and friendly with children, dogs, and strangers; loved bath time, car rides, and playing tug. On intake, he was friendly and relaxed with staff, jumping up playfully.

By the next day, things had changed. A volunteer said, “He has been very scared at the shelter, keeping his space from people.” He did, however do well in his dog/dog greet, remaining loose and wiggly. The volunteer added, “He has started to warm up significantly though, nudging into people to remind them to give him another snack … The shelter is no place for him to relax and come out of his shell.”

ACC certainly wasn’t; they killed Carmelo on day 32.

Roxy [255220]: 1 year old; killed June 28. Roxy, a stray, was an exuberant, jumpy, mouthy puppy and that got her killed on day 37. Easily leashed and eager to get out of her kennel, good on walks, seeking pets and treats, cooperative with handlers, she was labeled as having a low threshold for arousal. In other words, she was killed for being a puppy.

Onix [241803]: 2 years old; killed June 28. Onix had lived with three kids and was described as a friendly and affectionate dog, which he proved to be at ACC as well. On intake to ACC, found stray, he greeted staff with a wiggly body and a wagging tail. But that wouldn’t be his only stay. He was at ACC three times in less than a year, each time reclaimed until his third and final stay.

A volunteer said, “By no fault of his own, he has been found stray and reclaimed numerous times. But each time he resurfaces with us, once for each of the last three seasons, fall, winter and spring, I recognize his endearing face immediately. Mr. Congeniality with that big smile and each time I learn something new about him. On this visit, we discover his LOVE for the water. Running through the stream, having the time of his life.”

ACC killed Onix on day 32.

Tyrion Rexford [255298]: 2 years old; killed June 28. Tyrion Rexford, a stray, was very friendly during his medical exam, a wigglebutt who remained in ACC’s own words “a highly social and affectionate pup.” A networker, who promotes dogs on social media to help find them a home wrote: “Let me tell you a story about Tyrion Rexford. It is a story of neglect by NYC ACC. Tyrion Rexford sat in a cage for 25 days, no one paid him any attention. We had to beg for photos. ACC gave us photos, the day they decided to Kill List him …NYC ACC has the nerve to tell you he gets aroused, mounting handlers; then they tell you he is highly social and affectionate. Well the arousal is a lack of proper care at NYC ACC, always using drugs in place of proper exercise, enrichment and networking him for a home … This Tyrion Rexford, he is beautiful. He is friendly, social, active, healthy and looking for a home.”

When ACC put Tyrion Rexford on their At Risk of euthanasia list, they wrote in the memo that is supposed to explain why they will kill him: “Tyrion has begun to show signs of stress while in our care. He has been observed to flip and pull the drain cover up and move it into the kennel.” Lifting the drain cover in his kennel was surely a behavioral problem that would go away once he had some other outlet for play. For this, and leash biting, ACC increased his dosage of Trazodone and Clonidine “to the maximum range” and killed him 5 days later, on day 37.

Smoke [254765]: 2 years old; killed June 30. Smoke was found with another dog ACC named Stack. Smoke, although big, was underweight for his size and had a wound on his lip. A volunteer wrote, “Between them, there are 200 pounds of dog that were left tied up in front of a police station in mid May together. While similar in look — huge with cropped ears — the two boys are different in many ways.

“Smoke is fearful. He seems like he wants to disappear, but 97 pounds doesn’t make for easily hiding. He approaches us cautiously as we toss treats in his direction, careful not to pressure him too much. He eats the fallen treats, each time stepping backwards away from us, turning his head shyly. Over time, he starts checking us out a bit more bravely, even leaning forward to sniff our shoes. Big shy boys have my whole heart, and I adore Smoke and can only imagine the giant sweet cuddle bug he will be when he is able to relax in a good home.

“Smoke and Stack were tied up together by the same person. But Stack’s microchip leads to someone who rehomed him on Facebook about 5 months ago with another female dog. They believe the recipient intended to breed them and failed, but the female dog was not found with this duo.”

Smoke was shy and cooperative, which even ACC admitted. They put Smoke on the At Risk of euthanasia list due to “fearful behavior toward unfamiliar people during an adoption interaction, including hard barking, backing away, increasing distance from the unfamiliar person, and remaining difficult to refocus away due to his intense reaction. Smoke’s discomfort was significant enough that the interaction was discontinued. Smoke is able to be handled by familiar staff slowly, loves to participate in enrichment sessions. Medically, Smoke is apparently healthy.”

They killed Smoke, an adoptable, healthy dog on day 45, after subjecting him to alteration surgery shortly after his arrival.

Big Paw Paw [257464]: 3 years old; killed July 1. Big Paw Paw, a stray came to ACC fairly relaxed, but quickly became fearful, stuck in a kennel surrounded by barking dogs. Virtually ignored by ACC, they took only two blurry photos and made just two notes on him, a week apart, to report that he was highly dog reactive. When they killed Big Paw Paw on day 14 he was sick with CIRDC.

Oreo [255907]: 4 years old; killed July 1. Oreo, as you can see in his video had an epic head tilt. A volunteer wrote, “Spending time with Oreo is always a joy. This sweet soul arrived at the shelter scared, very underweight, and hungry, but still ready to make friends with everyone in his path. Oreo was found as stray by police officers, who say he was sweet and friendly and allowed all handling. On walks, he’s confident and eager to explore, checking in with us and happily accepting all the treats on offer; he displays no reactivity to passing dogs.

‘We don’t know much about his past, though it seems like life, at least recently, has not treated Oreo kindly, based on how skinny he arrived. But he acts like he knows tomorrow is a new day: He’s not letting his past define him, and he’s ready for his new chapter! He’s been known to lean into us for all the scritches and we think he will thrive in the safety and comfort of a loving home.”

On intake ACC wrote that Oreo was scared but seemed sweet. He did well in his dog/dog greet, was easily leashed and walked. Oreo was gaining weight, but was still noted to be underweight when ACC killed him on day 33.

Evander [255497]: 2 years old; killed July 1. “Everyone agrees he’s phenomenal in every way,” a volunteer said. Evander was a stray and someone named him Evander for his bitten ears. He arrived emaciated with skin lesions and a poor body condition. As the many volunteers who loved him, noted often, he was in rough shape.

When Evander first came to ACC, another volunteer wrote, “He’s a teeny bit shy at first but as sweet as can be: easy to leash, a slow steady walker with a very loose leash and very affectionate. He loves treats and takes them gently with a soft mouth, is responsive to his handler, and enjoys being pet, leaning into you from time to time. What a lovely boy.”

One volunteer noted, “He’s got everything going for him! He wants to play with everyone, which sure is fun to watch. Dogs on either side of the fence get play bows and every trick he can think of to entice them to interact with him; humans get the same amount of affection exhibited with his bouncy, playful affection. The comments on his walking log are some of the best we’ve ever seen.”

Housed in a crate the whole time he was at ACC because of overcrowding, Evander grew stressed, barking in his crate. One day after a walk, where he had walked nicely alongside a handler carrying a plushie, and waiting in the hall to go back into his crate, he bit the handler’s sweater, ripping it. Though he did not make contact with skin, Evander was put on the At Risk of euthanasia list.

“This is heartbreaking,” said another volunteer who had written that spending time with him was an excellent way to start the day and also that he would benefit from medical attention. “Evander is now only available through ACC New Hope partner rescue because of an incident at the shelter.” The “incident” got the much-loved Evander killed on day 35. After his death, the volunteer wrote, “RIP. Run free. I was so proud of you when you earned smiles and a “Nice dog” at the park. You carried your toys so nicely. I’m so sorry.”

Camila [257375]: 2 years old; killed July 2. Camila lived happily with two kids and a dog. Affectionate and playful with all, she loved stuff toys and comfy couches, also balls and frisbees. Unbelievably, her family went on vacation and dumped her at ACC.

At ACC she was social and easily leashed at first, walked past barking and growling dogs with no reaction, but then became very scared and shut down. Reluctant to leave her kennel, now reduced to a barking and growling dog herself, ACC killed Camila day 17 when she was sick with CIRDC.

Meloni [243059]: 4 years old; killed July 2. Shy Meloni, sweet and gentle, agreed those who knew her, was returned to ACC from adoption due to anxiety when left at home alone. On intake to ACC she hid under a chair but was receptive to treats and allowed petting. Her owner said, “she is smart and very protective, good with children.”

A volunteer wrote, “She can initially be timid but seems to have overcome most of her fearfulness and is always up for a walk. Meloni’s tail may start tucked into her body at the outset, and she may check in with you for reassurance but the longer we walk, the more relaxed she and her tail seem to get. Meloni is alert on her sniffaris and loves to sniff and explore, and she’s quite affectionate when she’s comfortable.”

Later, another volunteer said, Meloni “has the cutest, most soulful eyes, has incredible leash manners, is so cuddly and lovable” Least anxious when she was outside on walks, Meloni remained nervous when inside her kennel and alone. For this, ACC killed “the cutest, most gentle little pup” on day 55.

Payso [257447]: 3 years old; killed July 5. On arrival, Payso, ACC said, “appears shut down, timid, whale-eyed.” In his kennel, he never barked or growled; he trembled and flinched. His owner reported bites at home, had Payso carted off by the police, and left no notes on him. Payso had no chance at ACC, where they took just one picture and killed him on day 20.

Ducky [255903]: 2 years old; killed July 5. Ducky, a stray, was exuberant and highly social with staff and handlers from the start. He had hope in his heart. He was happy to explore, play enrichment games, and engage with anyone who would pay attention to him. But he didn’t want to go back in his kennel, pancaking and biting the leash in protest. For this, ACC killed Ducky on day 37.

Ice Age [254993]: 2 years old; killed July 6. Ice Age’s family was also in a shelter. Ice Age lived happily with kids and they said he was friendly with all – kids, strangers, and dogs. ACC agreed that Ice Age, a gentle boy, was social with handlers and readily engaged with people. Once there, he quickly became very sick with pneumonia, not eating, and ill for weeks.

ACC killed Ice Age on day 48 because he was “deteriorating in the kennel environment and has been observed biting at the kennel bars in an attempt to reach staff members’ fingers. In one instance, he made contact with a staff member’s nail but did not break the skin.” Was that it? Or was he desperate for human contact?

ACC’s last note on June 30 sheds some light. “Ice Age,” they wrote, “is sitting at the front of his kennel, facing away from the door. The handler removes his kennel blocker and he gets up and faces the front. He lip licks three times. He takes treats. The handler crouches down and offers him their hand to sniff through the bars and he licks it and begins to wag his tail with a loose body. The interaction is ended.” Ice Age isn’t facing the door—I suppose that’s a strike against him—because there is nothing to see; they blocked his view. And this is how good dogs die at ACC, alone, licking someone’s hand through the kennel bars and that small interaction that will quickly end — their allotted “enrichment” for the day — is enough to spark some hope of kindness. Or in the case of contact with a fingernail, get them killed.

Sunflower [254286]: 7 years old; killed July 6. Sunflower’s owner was arrested and he was left behind in an empty apartment. Or possibly his owner was hospitalized; ACC’s records say both. On intake, Sunflower jumped socially for attention and remained loose bodied. He did well enough in his dog/dog greet, remaining neutral bodied with a high wagging tail. But soon ACC reported that he was highly dog reactive when inside the shelter and they started medicating him.

Sunflower was kill listed after he bit a handler’s thumb. They were using a treat to lure him through the leash so it could have been accidental. Doesn’t matter. When even a small nip occurs, ACC typically cuts off what must be the highlight of the pup’s day: visits and longer leisurely walks by volunteers. ACC’s last note on Sunflower reflects the isolation dogs may feel under such circumstances: “Sunflower is at the front of the kennel with a soft body and wagging tail. Handler crouches down at the front of the kennel and feeds Sunflower treats through the kennel. Handler has him sit and he sits down, presenting with a soft face and body and a fast wagging tail. Sunflower is left with more treats and the interaction is ended.” Reading ACC notes on the dogs, their “the interaction is ended” phrase quickly becomes haunting.

ACC killed Sunflower on day 49.

Pops Sanchez [219556]: 5 years old; killed July 7. Pops Sanchez was loved but he had a hard life. In the year before he came to ACC, he spent 6 months living in a small car with his human and another dog. Then it seems (though not entirely clear) a new human, possibly related to or a friend of his previous owner, helped Pops by moving him to a kennel with outdoor space. This guardian worked with a trainer to help relieve Pop’s anxiety and said, “He went from an anxious dog living in the back of a car who would bark and lunge at strangers to a calm and playful dog … His trainer got him to the point of being non-reactive towards other dogs and humans on walks, and calm and happy playing most of the day.” Pops loved playing outside.

Pops Sanchez finally felt safe. Then he landed in ACC again — he had been there years before — due to housing insecurity (again) and understandably became very afraid. How did ACC respond? They neutered Pops just a week after intake. Neutered him but took just one picture and only made two brief “enrichment” notes on him during the month he was there. ACC neutered a dog they obviously had given up on as soon as he walked in the door. They killed Pops Sanchez on day 33.

Pikachu [165161]: 5 years old; killed July 8. Pikachu’s owner adopted him from ACC three years before but no longer had time for a dog they described as friendly with all and well behaved. He was underweight.

On intake, ACC noted that he was tolerant with staff but anxious about leaving his owner. They made only two brief notes on him on the days after he arrived. From those we learn that he was easily leashed and fearful. There are no notes on him on for the next 13 days. They killed Pikachu on day 16.

Fortunately, we have a video made by a volunteer, which shows a relaxed, affectionate dog during his first stay at ACC. They say, “Back in 2023, the words Friendly. Outgoing. Relaxed. Playful. Gentle. Soft. They were heard over and over whenever anyone mentioned PIKACHU. And it’s not just because he looks like a big stuffed toy with his adorable ears and his fluffy soft fur. He’s beautiful inside and out! Found as a stray, he stayed with his finder for a day and was a more than welcome guest. While there he played happily and gently with his finder and their four children! He impressed everyone with his good behavior, his housetraining skills, and his affectionate, cuddly personality. At the shelter he has been understandably overwhelmed. The Care Center is jam packed with other dogs right now, and he is all alone in his little kennel listening to the din. Still, he is trying to be brave.”

What happened during those last 13 days when they didn’t make even a single note about Pikachu? It’s as if they disappeared him.

Renee [257642]: 5 years old; killed July 8. Renee, a stray, was afraid of all the dogs at ACC; who knows what she had been through? Cooperative, often loose and wiggly with a wagging tail, she was nervous in new situations. As you can see in her video she was eager for up close attention and affection. They killed Renee on day 20. She was still sick with CIRDC.

Atlas Axel [255891]: 2 years old; killed July 9. Atlas Axel, a very cute stray Rottie, was found abandoned in a basement soaked in urine. He was scared —as many big dogs are at a shelter. He found comfort in toys and grew more relaxed in the play yard and on walks. Easily leashed, he didn’t want to go back in. Who would?

Despite medicating him for anxiety and fear, they planned on neutering Atlas Axel but cancelled when he caught CIRDC. After being put on Department of Health hold for a bite at ACC, which was believed to have been a nip, he was marked “no placement” and given a kill command. He could not be saved. Atlas Axel was killed on day 41.

Prince Khan [255761]: 1 year old; killed July 9. Prince Khan lived with a child and a cat. Due to his human’s health and Prince Khan’s size, they could no longer care for him. On intake, he greeted everyone playfully and allowed all handling. At ACC, he leaned in for pets and rolled over for belly rubs, jumped into laps and nudged staff for head rubs.

“It’s hard to appreciate Prince Khan’s size until you meet him in real life,” said a volunteer. “He’s a solid 86 pounds, a big tall boy, but also a young one. Only a year old, he is perhaps unaware he is no longer puppy sized. He plays with reckless abandon, slapping a tennis ball to then watch it roll around the yard and pouncing on it as it does. At one point he loses track of it all together, looking around Tom and Jerry style only to find it beneath him. He takes a rest by putting all 86 pounds on our laps, and eventually just laying at our feet reveling in a belly rub.

“The obvious thing here is that shelter life is not easy for a large, young, energetic dog. And Prince Khan is proof of this. While he’s able to get some energy out with us and relax at our feet, his daily life in the shelter doesn’t include regular breaks from his kennel to move his body. He’s frustrated and biting the leash and it’s led to him only being able to be walked by select staff members.”

Surely, big healthy puppies shouldn’t be killed just because a shelter in one of the most affluent cities in the world couldn’t give him “regular breaks” to get outside of his kennel to play? ACC killed Prince Khan on day 42.

Dragon Tales [258276]: 5 years old; killed July 11. Dragon Tales, an underweight stray with pyoderma, was killed on day 15. He was nervous and defensive around other dogs at ACC, and for that he was killed. Never mind that he walked calmly beside his handlers, checked in with them, and passed people without issue. On one occasion, he was brought into a room and jumped onto the handler’s lap and began to whine. Wrong move? They don’t like a sad, scared dog whining? After a couple minutes the handler returned him to his kennel.

Rocco [256413]: 4 years old; killed July 11. Rocco’s family had housing issues. He lived happily with an infant, other dogs and cats. They said, “Rocco is very affectionate and loving. He helped me through very tough times, staying by my side. Rocco has a silly personality. His smile is everything and I love our naps together.” Rocco’s favorite toy was a squeaky ball.

At ACC, Rocco was just flat out scared, probably grieving, definitely flailing. ACC killed Rocco on day 20.

Rain [254047]: 4 years old; killed July 11. When Rain came to ACC she had severe, deep and infected lacerations and bite wounds, too many to count, on her face, ears and neck—requiring emergency surgery. One ear was split in two and later required surgery to repair. Her fur was dirty and malodorous. Rain was reportedly found tied up to and fighting with another dog, but her wounds were four to five days old. ACC flagged Rain for cruelty. During her medical treatment she was cautious initially but quickly warmed up, wagging her tail and seeking attention.

Rain proved to be remarkably resilient. A volunteer said, “In spite of her name, I think you may never know a rainy day again with her in your life….She’s been hanging out with the veterinary staff ever since [surgery] but she’s healing well and ready for a home!

“I met Rain shortly after her arrival, with fresh stitches in her ears. We took care not to touch her swelling ears but she greeted us with smiles and draped herself over our laps. I think she was happy to be out in the sun with new friends. Each time I’ve seen Rain since, if I’m tending to another dog in a neighboring kennel she woofs at me until I pay her the attention she deserves and pay up for my grave mistake of ignoring her with a treat offering. I love her sweet face and sassy boots so much!”

Rain was spayed 17 days before she was killed on day 64. Who’s cruel now?

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We take names. We step on toes. We bring receipts.

Subscribe to The Scoop New York

NYC ACC KILLS, published by TSNY, enumerates and memorializes adoptable cats and dogs who were nonetheless exterminated by Animal Care Centers of New York City.

Every week, NYC ACC KILLS subscribers receive The Weekly Carnage: bios, photos and videos of adoptable cats and dogs known to be recent ACC victims. Subscribers also get monthly memoriam posts that include ACC data summaries along with an updated compendium of animals whose lives were ended by ACC that month. Videos from current and prior months may also be found on The Scoop New York’s YouTube channel.

For more New York companion animal news, follow NYC ACC KILLS and The Scoop New York on social media.

About NYC ACC KILLS memoriam posts

Like virtually all New York City officials, including Mayor Zohran Mamdani, NYC ACC staff as a rule do not respond to uncomfortable questions concerning the kill pound they’re responsible for. Information in NYC ACC KILLS memoriam posts, therefore, is drawn from reader tips, records ACC has chosen or is required to make public, and the ACC “at-risk outcomes” list.

As evidenced by its monthly and annual outcome data reports, ACC kills far more cats and dogs than appear on the at-risk list. ACC exterminates many healthy and adoptable cats and dogs without first offering them for adoption. Victims of this ACC practice are known among advocates as “silent kills.”

Under direction from higher-ups including chief DVM Robin Brennen, ACC will often spay or neuter a cat or dog only to exterminate her or him during recovery, or soon after. This practice is known as “spay-neuter-kill.”

Known silent kills and spay-neuter-kill victims are identified as such by NYC ACC KILLS.

Since cats are underrepresented on ACC’s “at-risk outcomes” list, they are also underrepresented here.

Due to gaps in ACC record-keeping, memoriam posts are, sadly, bound to be incomplete. The Scoop New York continually adds names and images of ACC victims to NYC ACC KILLS as we find them. Follow NYC ACC KILLS and The Scoop New York on social media for updates.

If you’re with a rescue, or you’re an NYC ACC volunteer, and would like to contribute images of exterminated cats and dogs — or tell us about your experience working with ACC — please contact The Scoop New York. Discretion guaranteed.

A note about names: Many animals come to NYC ACC with unknown histories, including their names. In addition, ACC does not always use the name a cat or dog is accustomed to, even if the agency knows what it is. As a result, many animals exterminated by ACC are never properly identified. Unfortunately, for the most part NYC ACC KILLS has only the names provided by ACC, even if those names are incorrect or nonsensical. ACC-assigned names are presented here without quotation marks unless TSNY can confirm an animal was known by a different name when admitted to ACC.

ACC operates under putative supervision by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, which endorses the publicly-funded killing of healthy and adoptable cats and dogs at will and with impunity.

In memoriam

CATS

Soline [252909]: 4 years old; killed June 27

Soline’s owner surrendered her due to biting. When a dog was introduced to the home, they had to be kept apart and the owner agreed that it was likely the primary factor contributing to Soline’s stress.

At ACC, a volunteer said, “We don’t know if Soline is a cat or a prairie dog, but we do know he doesn’t want to be in his condo and tries everything he can to say as much … Soline was brought to us with notes detailing an independent kitty who likes to have as many options as possible when it comes to activities. This is why we see him sometimes trying to look out the window like a little prairie dog and sometimes why he politely tried to push past my arm and out to the adoptions floor.“

On intake, Soline, who was described as extremely intelligent, was fearful and shut down, but over time he became confident and social.

ACC wrote, “He is a sweet cat that displays significant level of energy … appreciates pets and attention.”

ACC killed Soline on day 64.

Ranch Dressin [250790]: 3 years old; killed June 21

Ranch Dressin, found abandoned near a Uhaul truck in late March, didn’t move from the area for hours. “We can only imagine he was waiting for his person to come back,” a volunteer said.

Initially very fearful, the volunteer continued, “After a wary 1st meeting, I was pleasantly surprised that [on] our 2nd encounter I got to meet a very cuddly Ranch Dressin! He went from seeking exits, barely taking my treats and avoiding contact to nudging my hand for more petting, eating anything I had to offer, and climbing into my lap when I tried to get up to go back toward the shelter! He even feels safe to lay and relax in the sun for a bit.”

Ranch Dressin was adopted off the kill list but returned to ACC two days later, found stray at the same Queens shelter. Traumatized, Ranch Dressin on intake was now fearful again and this time also “shut down.” The adopter, who had him for two days, reported multiple bites that didn’t break the skin. In the almost two months he had been at the shelter there was no bite history. Back on the kill list he went.

There are only two entries during Ranch Dressin’s second stay, one noting that he was licking the kennel bars and another reporting that he was “neutral” on a walk and returned to the kennel with “no issue.”

ACC killed Ranch Dressin on day 28 of his second stay.

Thor [254542]: 3 years old; killed June 22

Thor’s owner was ill and surrendered him to ACC. They said he was a playful couch potato who wasn’t well socialized with other dogs or people. This made the shelter a scary place.

Despite being terrified, he tried. ACC gave Thor no time, killing him on day 19.

Rambo Bambo [254364]: 4 years old; killed June 23

Rambo Bambo, a stray, was kill listed for leash biting, despite ACC’s report that he’d stopped biting the leash with just one clicker training session.

Rambo Bambo didn’t react to people or pups on walks, checked in with handlers, and sat on command. With a soft body and a wagging tail, he sought affection from handlers. All he got from ACC was giardia.

ACC killed Rambo Bambo on day 42.

Five [256510]: 2 years old; killed June 23

Five was by any count a 10! Loving, playful, high energy, his owner said. Five was used to very long walks and loved to run for miles.

With no outlet for his energy at ACC, Five would jump exuberantly and ACC didn’t like that. They sedated him with Trazodone and Clonidine.

ACC killed Five on day 18.

Royale [250436]: 3 years old; killed June 23

“Volunteers shout out his gentleness and sweetness and we are shouting it from the rooftops,” said one volunteer. Found tied up in a park, Royale was nervous on intake but wagging his tail. He quickly warmed up to become a volunteer favorite.

A volunteer who walked him shortly after he arrived at ACC noted that he was a “handsome, heartbroken pup … [a] delightful pup to walk and spend time with.”

Another volunteer said, “If you’re looking for a little love in your life, don’t consider Royale — this amazing dog is a LOT of love! The kisses start on my hands as I go to leash him, and then he ever so gently stands to lean in for a hug. He’s affection on four legs (or two, when he’s hugging), and just the happiest, gentlest boy who walks sweetly beside me, happy to be on an adventure.”

Royale was adopted and returned to ACC weeks later after a conflict with a resident dog. ACC killed him 12 days after his return.

Magnificent [253717]: 7 years old; killed June 24

Magnificent, a stray, was “a model dog with his handlers.” He was initially listed to find a home, then in late June listed as no longer available and given a kill command with no chance of reprieve — a silent kill.

A volunteer wrote, “Magnificent is a classic aloof dog. Each time I arrive at Magnificent’s kennel for a walk he is lying on his bed, sometimes playing with a toy or just napping. He does not get up until I toss treats and call his name and then stands patiently waiting to be leashed. On our walks he is very interested in sniffing but pays little attention to me or my treat overtures. He’s the type of dog who often doesn’t do well in adoption interactions: ‘He didn’t seem very interested in me!’ a potential adopter might say, feeling snubbed.

But I would like to make the case for aloof dogs, as I have known and loved plenty …. That wiggly puppy who adores anyone with a pulse? Delightful. But patiently allowing an aloof dog to see you as a safe space? Life changing. Of course I cannot know that this would happen with Magnificent but … He has all the makings of a slow burn bestie.”

ACC killed Magnificent on day 50.

Carl [257213]: 1 year old; killed June 22

Carl, a stray puppy, arrived loose and wiggly and then got very scared, growling when people approached. Taken out on a walk he began trembling and pancaked to the ground.

Inside, he was calmer; taken to an office, ACC wrote, “he is extremely social with other handlers, including one he hadn’t met yet.” On another occasion in the office, he jumped onto laps.

ACC never made a video and took one photo of him, in which his terror is palpable. Carl was at ACC just nine days when they killed him.

Dante [255302]: 3 years old; killed June 24

Dante lived with a homeless person and was picked up and brought to ACC. He was very scared at first but became social with familiar handlers. He was put on ACC’s kill list for lunging at other dogs and leash biting upon return to his kennel.

Killed on day 32, Dante would have been safer on the street with his human.

Dandelion Fluff [257697]: age unknown; killed June 24

Dandelion Fluff, female, was found June 20 and never listed for foster or adoption, a silent kill.

Baby Beluga [253032]: 5 years old; killed June 25

Baby Beluga came to ACC as a stray and although initially timid, soon became very social with handlers. On a trial adoption that lasted just five days, Baby Beluga bit when the adopter tried to take away a high-value treat. A volunteer noted that when he was returned Baby Beluga was wearing a bark collar, a training method ACC discourages.

The volunteer who made the video of Baby Beluga (above), said, “In a different reality, I would have posted Baby Beluga with happy music and more cheerful captions. When I met him just yesterday I smiled ear to ear and laughed the whole time….watching him play with abandon, so full of joy. But a few hours [later] he went at risk ...

“But that doesn’t change my experience with him one bit. We thought a boy with his name might like the water, especially on a hot day, and we were right. We gently sprayed the hose and to our delight he followed it curiously drinking from the hose like a little kid. We sprayed it further and he chased it, bouncing at the sprays. When our time together came to an end, he said no thank you and grabbed a toy to run in circles with. And as busy as we were, we couldn’t take that small joy from him. So we watched and videoed as he played to his heart’s content. Possibly that’s Baby’s last time having such unbridled joy.”

Baby Beluga was killed 12 days later, on day 60.

Oley [255910]: 2 years old; June 25

Oley, a stray, was a scared pup trying to be brave. They spayed Oley shortly after she arrived, despite being fearful, already drugged with Trazadone and Clonidine and knowing full well they kill scared dogs with regularity.

Oley did well in her dog/dog greet. In a short time, Oley become easily leashed and good on walks, though still skittish.

Didn’t matter. ACC killed Oley on day 26.

Bayne [250088]: 1 year old; killed June 25

Bayne, a stray, was scared but cooperative on arrival at ACC.

“This wonderful, shy little Oreo cookie was found back in February during a snowstorm,” a volunteer said. “At the shelter and on a recent borough break he was timid at first but warms up once he feels comfortable, something I can certainly attest to during our walks where a few treats and a gentle approach score me lots of points.” ACC concurred, noting that “Bayne might start off a little unsure, but once he feels safe, he’s happy to lean in for quiet moments and gentle affection.”

Bayne had persistent bouts of diarrhea during his three-month stay. The good Dr. Brennen had him neutered in March, a day after starting him on Trazodone for fearful behavior.

ACC killed Bayne on day 98.

Yuma [254769]: 2 years old; killed June 25

Yuma, an underweight stray with pyoderma, was friendly and easily handled on intake. His time at ACC was marked by illness. He had persistent CIRDC, lasting three weeks, during which time he was discovered to have a problem with his jaw that made it difficult to eat.

Yuma, they said, needed “a neurological consultation to develop a treatment plan for the nerve deficit in his jaw.”

But ACC doesn’t treat sick animals. They kill them. Yuma was exterminated on day 40.

Esther [257367]; age unknown; killed June 25

Esther, an older dog, was found June 15, and killed 10 days later.

Esther was never listed for foster or adoption, another silent kill victim.

Bruce [254558]: 4 years old; killed June 25

Bruce was killed 30 days after he was found, a silent kill. It is unknown if he was ever listed for placement or why he was given a kill command.

Rocket [246356]: 1 year old; killed June 26

Rocket was terrified; tried to hide under his bed at ACC, wouldn’t take treats or interact with handlers. He once had a home, lived with three kids and another dog; and was surrendered due to a bite.

Rocket’s owner described him as very affectionate, active, and playful. He was afraid of loud noises and anxious when left alone, making ACC a hard place to be.

ACC killed Rocket on day 22.

Bruno [255356]: 1 year old; killed June 26

Bruno, a stray brought in by police, was scared of men, but trusted the female cop. He was reported by his finder to be very friendly toward strangers and other dogs.

At ACC Bruno was easily leashed, loose and wiggly, sought affection from handlers he knew well, but was fearful and aloof with unfamiliar staff. For this, Bruno was killed on day 34.

Beaver [253505]: 1 year old; killed June 26

Exuberant Beaver, a stray, was “lots of fun to walk,” said a volunteer, even when he was under the weather. Beaver had two bouts of CIRDC during his time at unsanitary ACC.

They wrote that he was “always excited to get out and explore … and has shown himself to be social and affectionate with people, often greeting handlers with a wagging tail, a soft body, and plenty of enthusiasm. Beaver knows how to take treats gently when calm and enjoys attention and petting from his favorite people.”

ACC killed Beaver, a puppy, on day 56, for barking and jumping at his kennel door and being mouthy.

Ice T [232213]: 2 years old, killed June 27

“Ice T was initially a little scared,” said a volunteer, “but very quickly became his wiggly, friendly self … a playful high energy boy who loves to be around people. He is known to press his body into you, asking for pets … He benefits from a slow approach, but once he is comfortable he is a bundle of joy and energy.”

Ice T had also been at ACC last summer, brought in by police when a landlord called for help for a dog that was often left tied up in the hallway. His family reclaimed him. This summer he was found stray at a construction site, where the workers were able to catch him with coaxing. On intake, ACC wrote that he was very wiggly, friendly and outgoing.

ACC killed Ice T, not for anything he did at ACC, but because of an accidental bite to one of the workers wgo found him. The workers were playing with him and they said he got over-excited. When one worker went to wash a bowl, they said, “Ice T jumped up playfully and accidentally bit the coworker’s hand.”

ACC killed Ice T on day 25 for an accidental bite on the day he was found stray. Whatever excuse is lying around, if it can be exploited to justify an elective killing, Team Brennen will use it.

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We take names. We step on toes. We bring receipts.

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NYC ACC KILLS, published by TSNY, enumerates and memorializes adoptable cats and dogs who were nonetheless exterminated by Animal Care Centers of New York City.

Every Monday, NYC ACC KILLS subscribers receive The Weekly Carnage: bios, photos and videos of adoptable cats and dogs known to be recent ACC victims. Subscribers also get monthly memoriam posts that include ACC data summaries along with an updated compendium of animals whose lives were ended by ACC that month. Videos from current and prior months may also be found on The Scoop New York’s YouTube channel.

For more New York companion animal news, follow NYC ACC KILLS and The Scoop New York on social media.

About NYC ACC KILLS memoriam posts

Like virtually all New York City officials, including Mayor Zohran Mamdani, NYC ACC staff as a rule do not respond to uncomfortable questions concerning the city kill pound. Information in NYC ACC KILLS memoriam posts, therefore, is drawn from reader tips, records ACC has chosen or is required to make public, and the ACC “at-risk outcomes” list.

As evidenced by its monthly and annual outcome data reports, ACC kills far more cats and dogs than appear on the at-risk list. ACC exterminates many healthy and adoptable cats and dogs without first offering them for adoption. Victims of this ACC practice are known among advocates as “silent kills.”

ACC will often spay or neuter a cat or dog only to exterminate her or him during recovery, or soon after. This practice is known as “spay-neuter-kill.”

Known silent kills and spay-neuter-kill victims are identified as such by NYC ACC KILLS.

Since cats are underrepresented on ACC’s “at-risk outcomes” list, they are also underrepresented here.

Due to gaps in ACC record-keeping, memoriam posts are, sadly, bound to be incomplete. The Scoop New York continually adds names and images of ACC victims to NYC ACC KILLS as we find them. Follow NYC ACC KILLS and The Scoop New York on social media for updates.

If you’re with a rescue, or you’re an NYC ACC volunteer, and would like to contribute images of exterminated cats and dogs — or tell us about your experience working with ACC — please contact The Scoop New York. Discretion guaranteed.

A note about names: Many animals come to NYC ACC with unknown histories, including their names. In addition, ACC does not always use the name a cat or dog is accustomed to, even if the agency knows what it is. As a result, many animals exterminated by ACC are never properly identified. Unfortunately, for the most part NYC ACC KILLS has only the names provided by ACC, even if those names are incorrect or nonsensical. ACC-assigned names are presented here without quotation marks unless TSNY can confirm an animal was known by a different name when admitted to ACC.

ACC operates under putative supervision by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, which endorses the publicly-funded killing of healthy and adoptable cats and dogs at will and with impunity.

In memoriam

CATS

Autumn [116078]: 9 years old; killed June 20

Adopted from ACC five years earlier, after being abandoned in an apartment, Autumn came to ACC this time as an underweight stray with a large scabbed-over wound to her head. She was soliciting attention and allowed all handling.

ACC killed Autumn seven days after she was found, never listing her for foster or adoption — a silent kill.

Dr. Robin Brennen’s vet team exterminated 9-year-old stray Autumn after a week, without offering her for adoption or fostering — a common ACC practice known as a “silent kill.”

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Mello [255500]: 2 years old; killed June 14

Mello’s human passed away and he was taken to ACC where he was so scared he peed on himself. Often trembling or frozen with fear, never growling or defensive, he was slowly beginning to trust people.

Mello’s real breakthrough came when he was introduced to another dog on June 7. When he came out of his shell and got brave and bouncy, the handlers supervising the dogs at play cried.

ACC killed Mello a week later, on day 18.

Spud [252206]: 1 year old; killed June 16

At 10 months old, Spud was dropped off at a police station by someone who provided no information about him. A volunteer said, “This little potato is Spud and though he’s the same color as a tater, his puppy body still hasn’t filled out like one. And all puppy he is: sweet, playful and loaded with fun.”

Given a day outside the shelter, his Boroughbreak buddy said, “Spud is the sweetest boy! I don’t think his tail stopped wagging once the entire BoroughBreak. He is a big ball of puppy energy and a stick finder extraordinaire and while he may still need to brush up on his manners (jumping/being a bit mouthy) you can tell he has so much love to give and will be so devoted to whoever his lucky people are! Spud was also great on the leash for the most part. He only pulled when he got a bit too excited about a dog or person, and he checked in with us often (though sometimes with the help of some treats!). He is so curious and playful, you can’t help but smile when you’re around him.”

Spud, ACC wrote, “is an energetic, expressive boy who shows a big personality and a lot of enthusiasm for life. In calmer moments, he is eager for attention, checks in with his handler, and clearly enjoys being part of what is going on around him.”

ACC killed “highly social” Spud on day 63, citing their often-used excuse of leash biting, and claiming he attempted to bite another dog.

“Diane” [255831]: 3 years old; killed June 16

Diane, fka Bella, was adopted from ACC last summer and came back as a stray, wearing a prong collar.

On intake she was tense but showed interest in the squeaky toys. Fearful when being leashed, once out of her kennel she became loose and wiggly and leaned in for pets from familiar handlers.

Conflicted by fear and a desire for human contact, Diane needed time to decompress. ACC killed her on day 17.

Charlotte [253896]: 4 years old; killed June 16

Charlotte was shy and fearful, but a volunteer said, “When I meet Charlotte she is on the lap of another volunteer in the yard. I see her tail wagging as I come in, and she hops off to greet me. Charlotte has a secret, and it’s her fantastic ears! I spend most of our time together making silly noises, trying to get them to pop up and reveal themselves. They are as tall as the rest of her face …

“I don’t see much of her fearful side when we meet. I see the side of her that clings to our bodies even on one of the hottest days we’ve ever had. She takes breaks to run around the yard after toys, panting in the heat before settling back at our feet to get her belly rubbed.”

When Charlotte was found, the person reported she was afraid of the police, so the finder took her in for a night. Calm in their presence, they noted she was fearful of their father.

ACC killed Charlotte on day 41.

Goku [245540]: 4 years old; killed June 18

Goku came to ACC in January, an underweight stray with a wound between his eyes that kept reopening. They neutered him in March. In May he collapsed while walking, was unresponsive and urinated on himself; it was his second collapse while at ACC. They didn’t determine the cause but placed a “seizure watch” flag on his kennel and a few days later added Gabapentin to the sedatives Trazodone and Clonidine, which they were already giving him.

An ACC staff member writes, “A volunteer describes Goku as quietly endearing, especially noting his soft, expressive ‘puppy dog eyes’ that immediately draw people in. One of his standard behaviors is how clearly he learns routines, particularly offering his paw with precision to the first person who rewards him. Despite arriving scared and overwhelmed from multiple transitions, he has started to show moments of trust and connection with familiar handlers. Volunteers note that beneath his initial worry, there is a sweet, observant dog who is beginning to enjoy human interaction and is ready to continue blossoming in a stable home.”

After failing to place him for nearly half a year, ACC put Goku on the “at-risk” list for “shelter deterioration,” stating that he was licking the kennel wall and glass and barking and jumping at the kennel doors. “Handlers have also needed to use distractions when leashing Goku due to leash biting,” they wrote.

Team Brennen exterminated Goku on day 157. On the day they killed him, Goku was still listed as adoptable and in good health. Like so many ACC victims, he was killed for space.

Knock Knock [250519]: 1 year old; killed June 18

Knock Knock lived happily with four children before he was surrendered to ACC at 10 months old because he was fearful of strangers. Very afraid on intake, Knock Knock soon became social with most handlers and loved playing with other dogs at ACC.

They wrote, “Knock Knock lives up to his name because when he is excited, he is basically ‘knocking’ at life with his whole body, ready to play, ready to greet and always ready to say hello first.”

Loose and wiggly, easily leashed, and an “easy walk” on the streets, puppy Knock Knock was destroyed on day 82.

Nomel [254427]: 3 years old; killed June 20

Nomel, a stray found tied up, was said by a volunteer to be a “gentle soul” who tried to give paw when receiving a treat, sometimes missed but tried again.

At ACC he was afraid and “skittish outside but easy to walk,” not reactive to people or other dogs. He did well on his dog/dog greet at ACC.

ACC killed Nomel on day 38, without declaring him “at-risk” or giving him a chance to be networked and find a home.

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We take names. We step on toes. We bring receipts.

Subscribe to The Scoop New York

NYC ACC KILLS, published by TSNY, enumerates and memorializes adoptable cats and dogs who were nonetheless exterminated by Animal Care Centers of New York City.

Every Monday, NYC ACC KILLS subscribers receive The Weekly Carnage: bios, photos and videos of adoptable cats and dogs known to be recent ACC victims. Subscribers also get monthly memoriam posts that include ACC data summaries along with an updated compendium of animals whose lives were ended by ACC that month. Videos from current and prior months may also be found on The Scoop New York’s YouTube channel.

For more New York companion animal news, follow NYC ACC KILLS and The Scoop New York on social media.

About NYC ACC KILLS memoriam posts

Like most New York City officials, including Mayor Zohran Mamdani, NYC ACC staff as a rule do not respond to queries from The Scoop New York. Information in NYC ACC KILLS memoriam posts, therefore, is drawn from reader tips, records ACC has chosen to make public, and the ACC “at-risk outcomes” list.

As evidenced by its monthly and annual outcome data reports, ACC kills far more cats and dogs than appear on the at-risk list. ACC exterminates many healthy and adoptable cats and dogs without first offering them for adoption. Victims of this ACC practice are known among advocates as “silent kills.”

ACC will often spay or neuter a cat or dog only to exterminate her or him during recovery, or soon after. This practice is known as “spay-neuter-kill.”

Known silent kills and spay-neuter-kill victims are identified as such by NYC ACC KILLS.

Since cats are underrepresented on ACC’s “at-risk outcomes” list, they are also underrepresented here.

Due to gaps in ACC record-keeping, memoriam posts are, sadly, bound to be incomplete. The Scoop New York continually adds names and images of ACC victims to NYC ACC KILLS as we find them. Follow NYC ACC KILLS and The Scoop New York on social media for updates.

If you’re with a rescue, or you’re an NYC ACC volunteer, and would like to contribute images of exterminate cats and dogs — or tell us about your experience working with ACC — please contact TSNY.

A note about names: Many animals come to NYC ACC with unknown histories, including their names. In addition, ACC does not always use the name a cat or dog is accustomed to, even if the agency knows what it is. As a result, many animals exterminated by ACC are never properly identified. Unfortunately, for the most part NYC ACC KILLS has only the names provided by ACC, even if those names are incorrect or nonsensical. ACC-assigned names are presented here without quotation marks unless TSNY can confirm an animal was known by a different name when admitted to ACC.

ACC operates under putative supervision by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, which endorses the publicly-funded killing of healthy and adoptable cats and dogs at will and with impunity.

In memoriam

CATS

At publication time NYC ACC KILLS had no information on cats recently exterminated by ACC. Subscribe to receive updated monthly NYC ACC KILLS memoriam posts.

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DOGS

Surfer [254928]: 5 years old; killed June 7

Surfer, a stray stuck in a crowded kennel surrounded by barking dogs, still had hope in his heart. On intake he was social with handlers, leaning in for pets. During his few weeks at ACC, Surfer sat for treats, was easily leashed and did well on walks although he couldn’t bear going back inside after.

ACC killed Surfer on day 20.

Sunkissed Glow [255922]: 10 years old; killed June 7

Sunkissed Glow was killed seven days after she was found on the street. She seems to have been available for adoption on June 5, and then suddenly given a kill command and killed the next day, a silent kill.

Silverina [255058]: 9 years old; killed June 7

Silverina, found May 21 and killed 17 days later, was never listed for foster or adoption. A silent kill, she was never given a chance to find a home.

“Diamond” [250451]: 2 years old; killed June 8

“Diamond is a once in a lifetime girl,” said a volunteer. “She is a wiggly monster, silly and social, playing and cuddling with us despite the heat. We put her in a chicken outfit, but she’s a bit too much of a wiggle worm to really show it off. I personally love all of Diamond’s loose skin around her face. It gives her expressive forehead wrinkles and jowls I want to take a nap under. She’s a bit of a bull in a china shop — but the joy she brings to life is electric. Diamond is the type of girl you would get matching ‘best friends forever’ necklaces with.”

Diamond’s human passed away and Diamond, two other dogs, and a cat all ended up at ACC. ACC changed her name from Rajah to Diamond. You can only hope the volunteers whispered “Rajah” in her ear.

As time went by, Diamond became increasingly reactive to the dogs at ACC. Given the fake dog test, she pounced, proving nothing many behaviorists say but a strike against her at ACC. They spayed Diamond in April and killed her on day 77.

Hughie [252454]: 3 years old; killed June 10

“Hughie exudes sweetness,” a volunteer said. “He initiates cuddling and leans into us for petting. He wasn’t always this way though, he arrived to the shelter quite scared and wary of most handlers.”

Hughie, a stray, was underweight on intake, with bleeding broken nails, and issues with his eyes, which were never diagnosed or treated.

“Through time, though,” the volunteer continued, “he’s warmed up nicely. He loves to offer his paw and when we aren’t paying attention to him, he waves it in front of us to get to put the focus back on him.”

ACC killed Hughie on day 53.

Mangu [254054]: 1 year old; killed June 10

A volunteer wrote, “Mangu was found on the lower east side, hiding in fear in the park. His finder kept him until she could no longer care for him, at which point he was brought to ACC. Mangu has been understandably nervous with all his life changes recently, but is a gentle, sweet boy. He is calm, but doesn’t take much interest in treats right now, but when he gets a toy his whole face lights up. Mangu zooms and jumps, and clearly toys are the way to his heart.”

A video of Mangu shows just how thrilled he was by toys. ACC killed Mangu on day 33.

Mambo [255386]: age unknown; killed June 10

Mambo was found on May 26 and never listed for foster or adoption, a silent kill. He was found collapsed in his kennel, 15 days after he arrived. ACC listed the following issues: anorexia, tetraparesis, severe jaundice, anemia, suspect seizure. Surely, those issues didn’t suddenly appear. Was he being treated? Why wasn’t he placed on the priority list for rescue?

Hamburglar [251043]: 2 years old; killed June 11

ACC described Hamburglar as “a stray with a big personality and even bigger heart.” Once he gets to know someone, “He becomes very affectionate and excited to interact, often seeking attention and wanting to be close to his handler.”

ACC listed as available for adoption. For reasons unknown, they later issued a kill command without first placing him on the at-risk [of being killed by ACC] list, which would have given rescue organizations and networkers, the opportunity to find him a home. It would have also made his records available to the public.

ACC killed Hamburglar on day 70, a silent kill.

Couch Surfer [251916]: 1 year old; killed June 12

Couch Surfer was an exuberant puppy. ACC said during his medical exam, he was relaxed, very wiggly, and jumped a lot; “he’s just so high energy and doesn’t know any manners yet.”

Couch Surfer was “kennel reactive.” Frustrated by being locked into a kennel, he was known to bite the lock, thinking perhaps he might bust himself out, but remained cooperative.

There’s no evidence in ACC’s notes that they tried to teach him better manners or find additional outlets for his exuberance. Instead, ACC killed Couch Surfer on day 62.

Selkie [255988]: 5 years old; killed June 12

Selkie, a Siberian husky, arrived at ACC a stray, trembling with fear and pancaking when being returned to his kennel.

Once outside, Selkie ignored passersby and dogs, but after walks lasting only a few minutes balked at being returned to his kennel.

Instead of helping him, ACC killed Selkie 13 days after they found him tied up at a park.

Canela [255598]: 2 years old; killed June 13

On intake, Canela, a stray, showed off her wiggles to all, was happy and friendly during her medical exam. She loved people, but not the dogs there.

Within a few days, she was nervous and whimpering. They didn’t make a video or seemingly pay much attention to Canela.

Like many of the dogs there, Canela caught CIRDC. She was killed on day 17 before her kennel cough was resolved.

Junior [253451]: 1 year old; killed June 13

At just 35 pounds when found tied up on May 22, Junior was underweight. He was briefly listed for rescue, but ACC decided he shouldn’t have a chance to find a home.

ACC put Junoir on kill command and exterminated him the next day, day 23. Because he was a silent kill, never put on the at-risk list, ACC’s notes on Junior weren’t made public.

Chulo [254388]: 1 year old: killed June 13

Found in a cemetery on May 13, Chulo was brought to ACC by the police. Briefly listed for rescue, he was then put on hold.

Denied a chance to find a home, ACC killed him on day 32. Because he was a silent kill, his records aren’t publicly available.

Nina [228511]: 4 years old; killed June 13

A volunteer writes, “Nina has been in and out of the shelter a few times since she arrived in June last year [2025]. She was reclaimed quickly, and came back just as fast. She went to foster for a few months, came back and was reclaimed at the last moment when she was set to be euthanized.” After being reclaimed Nina returned to ACC in early May when her owner was arrested.

Nina’s foster wrote that she was a “sweetheart who strikes the perfect balance between playful and cozy. She enjoys her walks and will happily trot along, but her true passion is curling up on the couch for a good nap or snuggle session. She’s also a big fan of people-watching — give her a balcony or a window and she’ll happily hang out, watching the world go by like it’s her favorite show.

“She’s been known to fall asleep flat on her back with her paws in the air and snore like she owns the place! On walks, Nina lies down when she sees other dogs because she really wants to say hello. She’s non-reactive and has shown nothing but friendliness so far…

“Nina isn’t a fan of the crate — but she doesn’t need one! She’s quiet, gentle, and non-destructive when left to relax freely. One of her sweetest quirks is ‘corncobbing’ and gently sucking on her blanket or stuffed animal to self-soothe — she never destroys them, just cuddles and comforts herself …. If you’re looking for a loving, goofy, low-maintenance companion with a heart of gold, Nina might just be your perfect match.”

ACC killed sweet Nina, enrolled in their “Shelter Scholar” program, on day 40.

T’Challa [255120]: 7 years old; killed June 13

ACC killed T’Challa on day 23 because they said he needed better manners. He was mouthy and easily aroused. He was also easily leashed and did well on walks.

Cute T’Challa had been found as a stray and spent some time with his finder — how long they don’t say. There, he got into a conflict with the resident dog and bit the finder’s finger when they were being separated. Unwitnessed accounts such as these are a handy excuse to kill dogs fast. Not that ACC needs excuses, thanks to indifferent NYC elected officials.

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We take names. We step on toes. We bring receipts.

Subscribe to The Scoop New York

NYC ACC KILLS, published by TSNY, enumerates and memorializes adoptable cats and dogs who were nonetheless exterminated by Animal Care Centers of New York City.

Every Monday, NYC ACC KILLS subscribers receive The Weekly Carnage: bios, photos and videos of adoptable cats and dogs known to be recent ACC victims. Subscribers also get monthly memoriam posts that include ACC data summaries along with an updated compendium of animals whose lives were ended by ACC that month. Videos from current and prior months may also be found on The Scoop New York’s YouTube channel.

For more New York companion animal news, follow NYC ACC KILLS and The Scoop New York on social media.

About NYC ACC KILLS memoriam posts

Like most New York City officials, including Mayor Zohran Mamdani, NYC ACC staff as a rule do not respond to queries from The Scoop New York. Information in NYC ACC KILLS memoriam posts, therefore, is drawn from reader tips, records ACC has chosen to make public, and the ACC “at-risk outcomes” list.

As evidenced by its monthly and annual outcome data reports, ACC kills far more cats and dogs than appear on the at-risk list. ACC exterminates many healthy and adoptable cats and dogs without first offering them for adoption. Victims of this ACC practice are known among advocates as “silent kills.”

ACC will often spay or neuter a cat or dog only to exterminate her or him during recovery, or soon after. This practice is known as “spay-neuter-kill.”

Known silent kills and spay-neuter-kill victims are identified as such by NYC ACC KILLS.

Since cats are underrepresented on ACC’s “at-risk outcomes” list, they are also underrepresented here.

Due to gaps in ACC record-keeping, memoriam posts are, sadly, bound to be incomplete. The Scoop New York continually adds names and images of ACC victims to NYC ACC KILLS as we find them. Follow NYC ACC KILLS and The Scoop New York on social media for updates.

If you’re with a rescue, or you’re an NYC ACC volunteer, and would like to contribute images of exterminate cats and dogs — or tell us about your experience working with ACC — please contact TSNY.

A note about names: Many animals come to NYC ACC with unknown histories, including their names. In addition, ACC does not always use the name a cat or dog is accustomed to, even if the agency knows what it is. As a result, many animals exterminated by ACC are never properly identified. Unfortunately, for the most part NYC ACC KILLS has only the names provided by ACC, even if those names are incorrect or nonsensical. ACC-assigned names are presented here without quotation marks unless TSNY can confirm an animal was known by a different name when admitted to ACC.

ACC operates under putative supervision by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, which endorses the publicly-funded killing of healthy and adoptable cats and dogs at will and with impunity.

In memoriam

CATS

Colby [255611]: 5 weeks old; killed June 5

Colby was one of a litter of kittens, several of which tested positive for panleukopenia and declined rapidly while in care. ACC wrote, “Colby has had a finnicky appetite while in care and is now showing signs of an upper respiratory infection. Colby needs continued monitoring and feedings during the panleukopenia quarantine period that are beyond that scope of what’s possible in care. Colby needs more care than we can provide.”

On intake, ACC described Colby as friendly, with high energy, climbing on the handler. They killed him on day 9.

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DOGS

Gomez [253742]: 4 years old; killed May 31

Gomez was found wandering in the park with a dog they named Morticia. Morticia found a home. Gomez did not. As his video shows, his expressive face signaled his worry and confusion.

“When I met Gomez,” a volunteer said, “he was still shy and aloof, as if he were trying to navigate this unfamiliar and overwhelming situation. Still, he walked beautifully by staff’s side and accepted gentle pets. I saw a similar aloofness in Morticia when I first met her, and with more time, she slowly began to show more of herself. I believe this block-headed, Oreo-faced boy just needs that same chance. Gomez may need more time to reveal his true personality, but I’m hopeful that once he feels safe, he’ll be as sweet as an Oreo cookie can be.”

With time, Gomez did warm up, making friends with staff. But he didn’t get enough time to find a home; ACC killed Gomez on day 27.

Kwik [251306]: 1 year old; killed May 31

Kwik, a volunteer said, was “a social, treat-motivated boy who enjoys interacting with people once he feels comfortable….When I spent time with him in the park, he was very sweet and stayed engaged with me. Kwik is still very much a puppy, curious, playful, and loves treats and toys. He listens well to the ‘sit’ cue and walks beautifully on leash.”

Kwik, a stray, was happiest out in the yard and on walks, a fan of being up close and personal—licking faces and hands. They neutered Kwik in April and killed him day 58.

Todo [254894]: 8 years old; killed May 31

Todo, a small male dog was found on May 19 and never listed for foster/placement, a silent kill. There was no photo in his Lost and Found record.

KJ [252350]: 12 years old; died June 1

KJ was surrendered by his family of 12 years after they lost their home. A low maintenance couch potato, they said. Also an independent little pup, KJ did not like being picked up. That made it hard to be at ACC and KJ landed on the At Risk list. But he had a foster and rescue organization ready to pick him up. He was sick while there, had diarrhea and on May 22 was diagnosed with CIRDC. Sadly, he died on his 23rd day at ACC, presumably of CIRDC, before the rescue arrived to to transport him to his new home.

Cattleya [253323]: 6 years old; killed June 4

Volunteers described Cattleya as sweet and gentle. One said she was a “great leash walk, no pulling and stayed right beside me. She has a mellow, quiet, slow-paced demeanor and takes treats very gently.” Another, responding to a report that she was very dog reactive, wrote, “In the backyard, she noticed another dog in the next pen and showed a mid-to-high wagging tail, but was easily redirected with treats and verbal cues. Overall, she was very easy to handle, calm, and chill, with lower energy during our interaction.”

Three days before they killed her, ACC wrote, ”Cattleya walks slowly with handler outside and passes people/dogs without issue. She approaches handler with a soft body soliciting pets under the chin and licks handler gently while being pet.“ Her photo shows sad eyes and a worried face. She was also in pain. Cattleya, a stray came to ACC with an ear infection so severe that she cried when they touched her ears. Although she received some treatment, it never resolved. ACC killed Cattleya on day 37.

Mr Wiggles [254604]: 2 years old; killed June 4

Mr Wiggles, a stray, came to ACC in full wiggle mode. He was highly social and spent his time soliciting full-body pets. Exuberance is not always welcome at ACC. He didn’t like the rope leash, although once he was out of the kennel and away from all the dogs, he relaxed and became his wagging and wiggly self.

By June 2 he was no longer wiggling. They reported that he was lethargic and coughing on his walk. Probably CIRDC, but there are no notes indicating whether he received medical care. Instead, he was killed 2 days later, on day 20, his spirit broken.

Sage [250999]: 3 years old; killed June 4

A volunteer said of Sage, “He’s a beautiful pup, but I quickly realize he’s much more than just his good looks….Sage is making the most of a less-than-ideal situation. Although he’s been living in a crate in an overflow room since he arrived in late March, he hasn’t let it break his spirit: He’s always ready to go on long walks (he’s been militantly housebroken), to play in the yard, and enjoy the small respites from his small living quarters. He’s a happy soul with a vibrant personality, eager to connect with us and rest his paws on our lap.”

Sage was found with another dog, Cedar, who was placed with a rescue organization. The police said they were friendly when they picked them up. ACC noted that Sage was nervous at first but quickly became very affectionate with staff. ACC tested Sage with a fake dog and decided his behavior was “concerning.” Yet their notes reveal only two incidents of concern around real dogs, once when Sage pulled toward another dog and was able to be redirected, and another when he saw a barking dog on the street and began barking himself and pulled toward that dog. For that, he was labeled a “solo pet,” making it harder to find a home. ACC neutered Sage in May and killed him on day 66.

Lizzy [230214]: 2 years old; died June 5

Lizzy, a volunteer said, could be apprehensive but was always adorable. On their first meeting, “Lizzy greets me warmly and crouches down, cat-like, as she approaches me for a quick, reassuring pet.” Later they said, “We took such a lovely walk together this Friday afternoon before her dinner. Lizzy is 2, so easy on a leash walk and very responsive to her handler, always looking up and checking in. She may welcome a quick pet or two or ten when she feels like it; she’ll let you know. She’s almost catlike that way. Lizzy loves treats and, especially, squeaky toys in her kennel upon her return. I find her to be very friendly and sweet.”

Another volunteer wrote, “Outside of the kennel, Lizzy is easy on leash, friendly, playful, and VERY affectionate. She will roll over for belly rubs, lean into your lap for snuggles, and melt right into you. She is gentle, loving, and so easy to fall for. A snuggle queen for sure.”

Lizzy had been at the shelter before, and on this occasion after 51 days she almost made it out of there. She found a foster. Every Last One Rescue wrote, “Yesterday, Lizzy left the shelter happy, bright eyed, and full of life as she began her journey to foster care with us. We watched the video of her departure and sobbed, knowing what would happen just hours later.

“During transport, her wonderful driver stopped and made routine checks, as he does with every dog. Lizzy appeared happy during the first two stops. On the third, just 15 minutes from her foster home, she was hyperventilating and unable to stand. The driver immediately stopped transport, contacted vet services, and stayed by her side. This speaks to how much people cared about her, the driver broke protocol and brought Lizzy into the front seat to comfort her.

“Because that’s love. His quick actions gave Lizzy every possible chance and ensured she did not suffer without help….

“At 6:25 PM we received the call no rescue ever wants to get. Lizzy did not make it. Veterinarians reported uncontrollable seizures and significant internal bleeding in her GI and brain. At this time, it is believed she may have succumbed to rodenticide poisoning, and a full investigation is underway.

“Just an hour earlier, Lizzy had pranced out of the shelter filled with the contagious joy she shared with everyone she met. We are still in a state of shock and devastated that she never got the chance to experience the life waiting for her.”

Nectar [255096]: 5 years old; killed June 6

Nectar, a stray, was very afraid, hiding at the back of his kennel and afraid of being leashed. He was trying to cooperate, started going out on walks and didn’t react to other dogs. Just days before they killed him on day 17, Nectar had become brave enough to solicit pets, give paw, and in his quiet way, bask in their attention. ACC killed Nectar anyway.

Thor [253690]: 12 years old; killed June 6

Thor, a stray, was much loved. “His thin hair, long nails, and worn body made it clear he has been through a lot and was not properly cared for,” a volunteer wrote. “Thor is also noted to have alopecia, an umbilical hernia, and pyoderma. Before his photo shoot, we gave Thor a bath. He was SO sweet and relaxed, allowing us to gently wash and wipe his whole body. After his bath, he seemed to loosen up even more and showed us just how friendly and gentle he is. Thor walks beautifully on a loose leash, knows many cues, and takes treats so softly. He was attentive, curious, and eager to engage throughout our interaction.”

Another volunteer pleaded for a foster. “Here’s a slam dunk chance to turn heartache into happiness, with the real winner being you! Come get Thor, a senior who has stolen the hearts of volunteers and staff alike for his sweet, gentle, and endlessly loving nature (he even liked it when we bathed him!) Thor walks beautifully on a leash, knows all his commands, adores treats, and cherishes people. Please, won’t you consider helping this wonderful creature? He will thank you endlessly, but you will thank yourself even more for giving yourself the gift of Thor.” Inexplicably, ACC killed the gentle senior pup Thor on day 34.

Buddy [248284]: 7 years old; killed June 6

While at ACC Buddy went on a straycation, and the person who hosted him is no doubt the best word on Buddy. They said, “From our very first Uber ride from the adoption centre he wanted belly rubs in the car! When we got to my apartment he made himself at home with ease; was excited and delighted to find I had tennis balls ready for him. He slept in his own bed all night with no whining or anxiety, went to his bed while I did chores, watched me wfh then indoor cycle, never touched my plants and didn’t bother me once while I ate a ham sandwich as he sat beside me on the sofa—a perfect house guest!

“Speaking of the sofa: this guy LOVES to saddle up beside you, tuck in under your arm like a warm snuggly arm rest, he really gets his naps in! When I came back from my 10x minute coffee run, he greeted me like I had been away for 10x years—he bounced around the room and ran over for more pets. This is an affection motivated boy, he loves chest rubs even more than snacks or toys. Buddy was the perfect Straycation guest, everything went well ….Buddy is a sweet, mature and independent guy but will follow you to the end of the earth (or just to the kitchen for a snack run). Buddy has the puppy energy when playing, follows you like a guard dog and his goal in life is just to hang out with you and be best friends!”

For 7 years, Buddy had a family that included a kid, another dog, and a cat. At ACC they introduced Buddy to a fake dog, and he didn’t do well. The fake dog test, debunked by many, seems to have sealed his fate. Buddy did become tense around other dogs but didn’t engage. Still, they said Buddy should be a solo pet, making it harder for him to find a home. On intake, Buddy was friendly, loose, and wiggly, affectionate with staff and remained that way. ACC neutered Buddy in March and killed him on day 85.

Karma [252476]: 2 years old; killed June 6

Karma’s family, which included kids, lost their home. Her human said she was shy, gentle around children, social and friendly with familiar dogs. A loyal family dog, she loved belly rubs.

A volunteer said, “We take Karma out and she’s absolutely oozing with sweetness. She is nervous and wary of her surroundings, but slowly comes to us for some comfort in the form of treats. She rests her big head on our hands, giving her neck a rest from holding it up. Her tail is tucked, and her body is a bit too skinny for our liking—we can see her bones. She has almost a brown merle coat, with stunning eyes.”

Karma was never put on the At Risk list so she didn’t have a group of networkers working nonstop to help find her a home and because she was not At Risk, we also don’t have access to notes on her time at ACC. She was put “on hold” on May 26, which meant she was no longer listed for foster or adoption. When a networker enquired about Karma on June 2, ACC said she was being reclaimed. Instead, two days later, ACC suddenly issued a Kill Command. ACC killed Karma on day 40.

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We take names. We step on toes. We bring receipts.

Subscribe to The Scoop New York

NYC ACC KILLS, published by TSNY, enumerates and memorializes adoptable cats and dogs who were nonetheless exterminated by Animal Care Centers of New York City.

Every Monday, NYC ACC KILLS subscribers receive The Weekly Carnage: bios, photos and videos of adoptable cats and dogs known to be recent ACC victims. Subscribers also get monthly memoriam posts that include ACC data summaries along with an updated compendium of animals whose lives were ended by ACC that month. Videos from current and prior months may also be found on The Scoop New York’s YouTube channel.

For more New York companion animal news, follow NYC ACC KILLS and The Scoop New York on social media.

About NYC ACC KILLS memoriam posts

Like most New York City officials, including Mayor Zohran Mamdani, NYC ACC staff as a rule do not respond to queries from The Scoop New York. Information in NYC ACC KILLS memoriam posts, therefore, is drawn from reader tips, records ACC has chosen to make public, and the ACC “at-risk outcomes” list.

As evidenced by its monthly and annual outcome data reports, ACC kills far more cats and dogs than appear on the at-risk list. ACC exterminates many healthy and adoptable cats and dogs without first offering them for adoption. Victims of this ACC practice are known among advocates as “silent kills.”

ACC will often spay or neuter a cat or dog only to exterminate her or him during recovery, or soon after. This practice is known as “spay-neuter-kill.”

Known silent kills and spay-neuter-kill victims are identified as such by NYC ACC KILLS.

Since cats are underrepresented on ACC’s “at-risk outcomes” list, they are also underrepresented here.

Due to gaps in ACC record-keeping, memoriam posts are, sadly, bound to be incomplete. The Scoop New York continually adds names and images of ACC victims to NYC ACC KILLS as we find them. Follow NYC ACC KILLS and The Scoop New York on social media for updates.

If you’re with a rescue, or you’re an NYC ACC volunteer, and would like to contribute images of exterminate cats and dogs — or tell us about your experience working with ACC — please contact TSNY.

A note about names: Many animals come to NYC ACC with unknown histories, including their names. In addition, ACC does not always use the name a cat or dog is accustomed to, even if the agency knows what it is. As a result, many animals exterminated by ACC are never properly identified. Unfortunately, for the most part NYC ACC KILLS has only the names provided by ACC, even if those names are incorrect or nonsensical. ACC-assigned names are presented here without quotation marks unless TSNY can confirm an animal was known by a different name when admitted to ACC.

ACC operates under putative supervision by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, which endorses the publicly-funded killing of healthy and adoptable cats and dogs at will and with impunity.

In memoriam

CATS

At publication time NYC ACC KILLS had no information on cats recently exterminated by ACC. Subscribe to receive updated monthly NYC ACC KILLS memoriam posts.

Subscribe now

DOGS

Nyla [252503]: 4 years old; killed May 25

Nyla, rehomed in January and described as social and friendly with all, including strangers, kids, and other dogs, was surrendered because her new family said they didn’t have time for her. On intake, ACC said she was relaxed and seeking affection. They spayed her shortly after she arrived.

“Nyla is a dog that immediately just lights me up,” a volunteer said. “On a hard day, she will bring joy, silliness, and all the cuddles you could dream of. When I was getting tired after walking dogs for six hours at the shelter, I got to meet Nyla and she rejuvenated all my energy. Her personality is just magnetic and I can’t bear to put her back in her small kennel.”

Nyla was easily leashed and cooperative, politely returning the ball when playing fetch. They killed Nyla on day 31 for “behavior problems”—not because of anything she did wrong at ACC, but because of a reported bite to someone’s finger in her previous home.

Mikey [252968]: 4 years old; killed May 27

Mikey, brought in by the police who found him roaming the streets, was described by them as very friendly and outgoing. His skin issues were so severe he had lesions across his body, open wounds on his face, in addition to an ear infection.

A volunteer wrote, “As I watch back my videos of Mikey, I hear myself saying “Mikey!!” And You’re a good boy” over and over again. I say that a lot at the shelter. One, because it’s filled with good boys and good girls. And, two, because sometimes dogs come in that make me think they haven’t been told this enough or maybe even ever.…Still, Mikey stays optimistic. He is loose and wiggly and oh so playful. In fact, it’s so hard to get good video of him because he’s a blur of happiness. He loves toys and seems to TREASURE the fish plushy we have to offer him. No matter what path Mikey’s trajectory takes, at least he will know that someone thought he is a VERY GOOD BOY!” Mikey’s video does show his very good nature and how happy he was with his fish plushy. ACC killed the very good boy Mikey on day 30.

Casserole [253567]: 2 years old; killed May 27

Casserole, a stray, kissed the hands of staff on intake, wagging his tail and toe tapping, so happy to be off the streets. He wasn’t bothered by other dogs there, even when they growled and bared their teeth at him. We don’t know his history, but he had a long scar on the back of his neck.

A volunteer writes, “It didn’t take long for Casserole to roll over and show us his belly. Just a short play sesh in the unusually hot spring heat and he was fully ‘baked.’ We hope that we can entice him to get in the pool with a toy (we find out quickly that he LOVEs stuffies) but he’d rather cool off by laying on his side, tongue lolling. Our videos are filled with comments about how handsome he is and how much we like him and though remarks such as these are common with dogs we meet in the shelter, they are nonetheless true.” ACC killed Casserole on day 26 for leash biting—their excuse for a behavior problem.

Coby [253880]: 5 years old; killed May 27

Coby’s owner said their child and Coby never got along. Coby bit the child’s finger. The owner called the police to have Coby taken away and left no information about him.

At ACC, Coby soon got in trouble for jumping up at handlers and biting their treat pouch. Easily leashed, Coby ignored passersby, including dogs, on the streets. In the play yard, he was truly joyful— wiggly and exuberant, happy to be pet. But mostly, ACC ignored him, never even gave him a behavior assessment. They also didn’t make a video, decreasing his chance of finding a home. ACC killed Coby on day 21.

Phantom [253510]: 5 years old; killed May 27

Phantom was brought in stray, reportedly for fighting with dogs on the street. No one said who started the fight; ACC admitted the incident was “very vague.” Naming him Phantom was their first clue as to his fate. He was a dead dog walking.

ACC said Phantom on intake was wagging his tail, sought attention from staff, and sat for pets. During his stay, he was easily leashed, thoroughly enjoyed enrichment games (and learned fast), became highly social with handlers. Their last note on Phantom, five days before they killed him said, “Phantom was lying down at back of kennel. As handler opened door Phantom came to the front where he was easily leashed and pulled from kennel. Phantom was taken to backyard. During his walk time Phantom appeared lethargic often coughing. Handler tried to engage in some pattern games but Phantom was uninterested. He was returned to kennel with no issue.” Surely, Phantom, coughing and lethargic, was sick with CIRDC, which is endemic there, but there are no notes after that day. They killed Phantom on day 26.

Miss Bee [255140]: age unknown; killed May 28

On Miss Bee’s Lost and Found record it says sex unknown, age not listed. They were found on May 22 and never listed for foster or adoption, a silent kill.

Cozine [253497]: 3 years old; killed May 29

Notes on stray pup Cozine are sparse. ACC said he was social but conflicted. Because he flinched once when touched? That’s the only clue in their notes. They did say that they, “Recommend topical treatments for skin once dog is placed, P [Patient] may need continued support for potential underlying allergies once placed.” Why wait?

A volunteer wrote, “I only got to meet Cozine this weekend, after he arrived as a stray a few weeks ago. Cozine has struggled to acclimate to the shelter but when we met him we were lucky to see his social side. He is every bit as handsome as he looks in his videos and photos, with a big head split gray and white. The moment I offer him a toy, he picks it up and I don’t think he lets it go for the rest of our time together! We joke that it’s his emotional support stuffy and in his situation you can’t blame him for needing a little support. For all his struggles at the shelter Cozine is social with us, coming right up to me to be pet and curving into our legs.”

Cozine’s video doesn’t show a conflicted dog. It does reveal how important that stuffy was to him—and also his endearing head tilt. ACC killed Cozine on day 29.

Diesel [255378]: 8 years old; killed May 29

Diesel, a large male dog, was found on May 26 and killed three days later, a silent kill. ACC never listed him for foster or adoption. Their lost and found record did not include a photo.

Cinnamon [255398]: 16 years old; killed May 29

Cinnamon was found on May 26 and never listed for foster or adoption, a silent kill. They say he was 16; they’ve been known to get ages wrong.

Brown [252445]: 4 years old; killed May 30

If you watch Brown’s video, two things stand out— Brown’s soft eyes and his goofy and endearing smile. He came to ACC an underweight stray, fearful at first but became more relaxed and confident over time.

A volunteer says, Brown was “the sweetest compact low-rider at 40 pounds. He has the cutest little smiley face and honestly, I couldn’t stop smiling back at him. Brown can be a bit fearful and shy, so he appreciates slow introductions to new people and places. But once he feels safe, his gentle side starts to shine. During our time together, he kept wagging his tail, leaned into his handler for snuggles, and took treats so softly. Brown may need a little patience, but he has so much love to give“ Patience? ACC doesn’t have patience; they killed Brown on day 43.

Sunny [255119]: 8 years old; killed May 30

Found May 22, Sunny, a small male dog, was never listed for foster or adoption, a silent kill. Their lost and found record did not include a photo.

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We take names. We step on toes. We bring receipts.

Subscribe to The Scoop New York

NYC ACC KILLS, published by TSNY, enumerates and memorializes adoptable cats and dogs who were nonetheless exterminated by Animal Care Centers of New York City.

Every Monday, NYC ACC KILLS subscribers receive The Weekly Carnage: bios, photos and videos of adoptable cats and dogs known to be recent ACC victims. Subscribers also get monthly memoriam posts that include ACC data summaries along with an updated compendium of animals whose lives were ended by ACC that month. Videos from current and prior months may also be found on The Scoop New York’s YouTube channel.

For more New York companion animal news, follow NYC ACC KILLS and The Scoop New York on social media.

About NYC ACC KILLS memoriam posts

Like most New York City officials, including Mayor Zohran Mamdani, NYC ACC staff as a rule do not respond to queries from The Scoop New York. Information in NYC ACC KILLS memoriam posts, therefore, is drawn from reader tips, records ACC has chosen to make public, and the ACC “at-risk outcomes” list.

As evidenced by its monthly and annual outcome data reports, ACC kills far more cats and dogs than appear on the at-risk list. ACC exterminates many healthy and adoptable cats and dogs without first offering them for adoption. Victims of this ACC practice are known among advocates as “silent kills.”

ACC will often spay or neuter a cat or dog only to exterminate her or him during recovery, or soon after. This practice is known as “spay-neuter-kill.”

Known silent kills and spay-neuter-kill victims are identified as such by NYC ACC KILLS.

Since cats are underrepresented on ACC’s “at-risk outcomes” list, they are also underrepresented here.

Due to gaps in ACC record-keeping, memoriam posts are, sadly, bound to be incomplete. The Scoop New York continually adds names and images of ACC victims to NYC ACC KILLS as we find them. Follow NYC ACC KILLS and The Scoop New York on social media for updates.

If you’re with a rescue, or you’re an NYC ACC volunteer, and would like to contribute images of exterminate cats and dogs — or tell us about your experience working with ACC — please contact TSNY.

A note about names: Many animals come to NYC ACC with unknown histories, including their names. In addition, ACC does not always use the name a cat or dog is accustomed to, even if the agency knows what it is. As a result, many animals exterminated by ACC are never properly identified. Unfortunately, for the most part NYC ACC KILLS has only the names provided by ACC, even if those names are incorrect or nonsensical. ACC-assigned names are presented here without quotation marks unless TSNY can confirm an animal was known by a different name when admitted to ACC.

ACC operates under putative supervision by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, which endorses the publicly-funded killing of healthy and adoptable cats and dogs at will and with impunity.

In memoriam

CATS

At publication time NYC ACC KILLS had no information on cats recently exterminated by ACC. Subscribe to receive updated monthly NYC ACC KILLS memoriam posts.

Subscribe now

DOGS

Peter Pan [251263]: 7 years old; killed May 17

Peter Pan, flagged for cruelty and neglect, arrived at ACC emaciated with a skull and jaw fracture, a wound, and a lame hind leg. Even so, his good nature prevailed; during his medical exam he wagged his tail and leaned into staff for affection.

Peter Pan did great in the dog/dog greet, loved playing fetch in the yard, was easily leashed and walked well, checking in with the handler and ignoring other dogs. In the play yard he would gently lick his handler’s face and roll onto their lap. On his walks in and out of the shelter, he happily greeted familiar staff.

ACC killed Peter Pan on day 44. Apparently, when he bit the fake hand looming at him in their assessment test his fate was sealed. They cited that fact as an excuse to kill him. Never mind that the test is widely known to prove nothing or that Peter Pan’s skull had been fractured, possibly by a hand coming at him, or a boot. Even abused dogs that remain friendly and gentle aren’t given a chance at ACC.

Angel [128825]: 7 years old; killed May 17

Angel, a long-term stay and a Shelter Scholar, had been at ACC four years earlier, surrendered by his family, then reclaimed. Described as friendly and affectionate, he happily lived with a young child and liked to follow his family from room to room.

ACC said, “Angel is highly responsive to training, quickly learns new cues, and is social with staff.” Volunteers adored him. At the beginning of his stay at ACC one wrote, “Angel jumps into Santa’s lap and stays there for the duration of our time outside with him. He relishes some time out of the pop-up crate he’s been housed in for the last two and a half weeks. There, he takes our treats gently and listens to us talk about how he indeed embodies his name, a real angel on earth. A sweet and gentle cherub indeed.”

Much later in his stay, another volunteer wrote, “One on one, I found Angel to be the most perfect and charming gentleman. He walks beautifully on leash, checks in with me regularly, and takes treats delicately from my hand. In the play yard, Angel stays close to me, leaning in to solicit affection and cheddar cheese from my treat pouch. Naturally I oblige because he deserves all the delicious things this world has to offer and so much more. It’s utterly heartbreaking to see him look so defeated and hopeless as each day of uncertainty goes by.”

Dr. Robin Brennen’s ACC vet team killed Angel on day 167.

Chalupa [253732]: age unknown; killed May 17

Chalupa was found on May 5 and killed 12 days later, a silent kill. ACC says he bit a handler’s hand there. Lots of dogs are fostered/adopted after biting, but Chalupa was never given a chance to be placed.

Newton [253993]: 12 years old; killed May 17

Newton was killed nine days after he was found on the streets. He had a foreign body obstruction in his stomach. Instead of removing it, Dr. Brennen and company killed him.

ACC said he came in tail wagging, allowed all handling. During his “behavior assessment,” he scrambled to the door to try to exit when the handler attempted to make contact with him. They noted that as a strike against him. But he soon warmed up to handlers. He did well around other dogs, was easily leashed and walked.

When Newton got very sick, began vomiting continuously, ACC wrote, “Given the advanced age of Newton, the extensive continuous vomiting and the likelihood of a gastric FB [foreign body], reaching out to NH [New Hope] with plea for further work up and possible abdominal exploratory. If no placement established, EHR [euthanasia] recommended.”

In essence, ACC asked New Hope partners — other rescue organizations — to take Newton off their hands and do the surgery needed. Even then, they didn’t give the rescues any time to help, killing Newton the same day they sent out their “plea.”

Skippers [252891]: 2 years old; killed May 19

Skippers, a stray, came in highly social and then became overwhelmed, scared and reactive to other dogs when going in and out of his kennel. He did better when outside of the facility, walking well on leash. Although nervous he remained friendly with staff — a beautiful boy in search of toys, he jumped into the toy bin to pick the best one.

ACC killed Skippers on day 24.

Bleu [254148]: 4 years old; killed May 19

ACC killed beautiful Bleu just nine days after he arrived. The ostensible reason: leash biting. Bleu’s human said he was an affectionate dog, loved belly rubs and kisses, toys, and bananas with peanut butter. He lived with a child and another dog, was playful with strangers and kids. His family surrendered Bleu because they could no longer afford his care.

During his time at ACC, they made notes on only two of the days he was there, the day of his intake and the day after. Bleu was a leash-biter, and when he bit the leash on intake, ACC put him on their favorite sedatives — Trazodone, Gabapentin, and Clonidine. How the drugs affected him we don’t know. There are no notes.

Barbara [251536]: 1 year old; killed May 21

Her human said Barbara was a “lap dog who sleeps a lot on you.” No wonder she was not a fan of the cat in her home. They also said, she’s “extremely affectionate, very cuddly, and eager to please! She loves to tear up plushies, squeakers, and crinkly toys.”

At ACC Barbara was loose, wiggly, and wagging. Easily leashed, she did well on walks and played fetch nicely — their test to see if she would resource-guard the ball. She sought affection from her handlers and pets.

The only excuse they could find to kill her is that she barked and growled on intake. ACC killed Barbara on day 41.

Acai [253442]: 6 years old; killed May 21

In his video, Acai, a stray, looks scared and hopeful at the same time. A volunteer said, “I met Acai on a nearby stoop and his big handsome head drew me in immediately as I walked down the block towards him. He posed for his photos dutifully, but was enraptured by the toys I used to gain his focus. He hopped to catch them and then squeaked away in this little alcove, before we took a stroll back to the yard.”

Toys got Acai in trouble. He would sometimes screech at a person holding the toy and jump too much get them. He wouldn’t trade his ball for cheese. Their report of successfully hiding toys from him speaks volumes about the nature of their “care.”

Clearly, toys were a comfort to Acai. He also had several fractured teeth that could be causing pain. How about just give the sad boy his toy and let him keep it? ACC killed Acai on day 21.

Sasha [229472]: 2 years old; killed May 21

Returned from foster care on May 6, Sasha was put on health department hold, which is usually for bites.

Sasha had been in the ACC system for almost a year when they killed her without attempting to find another foster.

Known as a super silly girl, flopping over for belly rubs was Sasha’s signature move. She died another ACC silent kill victim.

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We take names. We step on toes. We bring receipts.

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NYC ACC KILLS, published by TSNY, enumerates and memorializes adoptable cats and dogs who were nonetheless exterminated by Animal Care Centers of New York City.

On Mondays, NYC ACC KILLS subscribers receive The Weekly Carnage: bios, photos and videos of adoptable cats and dogs known to be recent ACC victims. Subscribers also get monthly memoriam posts that include ACC data summaries along with an updated compendium of animals whose lives were ended by ACC that month. Videos from current and prior months may also be found on The Scoop New York’s YouTube channel.

For more New York companion animal news, follow NYC ACC KILLS and The Scoop New York on social media.

About NYC ACC KILLS memoriam posts

Like most New York City officials, including Mayor Zohran Mamdani, NYC ACC staff as a rule do not respond to queries from The Scoop New York. Information in NYC ACC KILLS memoriam posts, therefore, is drawn from reader tips, records ACC has chosen to make public, and the ACC “at-risk outcomes” list.

As evidenced by its monthly and annual outcome data reports, ACC kills far more cats and dogs than appear on the at-risk list. ACC exterminates many healthy and adoptable cats and dogs without first offering them for adoption. Victims of this ACC practice are known among advocates as “silent kills.”

ACC will often spay or neuter a cat or dog only to exterminate her or him during recovery, or soon after. This practice is known as “spay-neuter-kill.”

Known silent kills and spay-neuter-kill victims are identified as such by NYC ACC KILLS.

Since cats are underrepresented on ACC’s “at-risk outcomes” list, they are also underrepresented here.

Due to gaps in NYC ACC record-keeping and general everyday malfeasance, memoriam posts are, sadly, bound to be incomplete. The Scoop New York continually adds names and images of NYC ACC victims to NYC ACC KILLS as we find them. Follow NYC ACC KILLS and The Scoop New York on social media for updates.

If you’re with a rescue, or you’re an NYC ACC volunteer, and would like to contribute images or stories of cats and dogs exterminated by ACC, please contact TSNY.

A note about names: Many animals come to NYC ACC with unknown histories, including their names. In addition, ACC does not always use the name a cat or dog is accustomed to, even if the agency knows what it is. As a result, many animals exterminated by ACC are never properly identified. Unfortunately, for the most part NYC ACC KILLS has only the names provided by ACC, though many are incorrect, nonsensical or hateful. ACC-assigned names are presented here without quotation marks unless TSNY can confirm an animal was known by a different name when admitted to ACC.

NYC ACC operates under putative supervision by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, which endorses killing healthy and adoptable cats and dogs at will and with impunity.

The chief ACC veterinarian is Dr. Robin Brennen.

Though ACC is supported by taxpayers, the city conceals ACC personnel contact information from New Yorkers. As a public service, The Scoop New York makes ACC staff email addresses available to readers.

In March 2026, the city’s health commissioner was Alister Martin. Martin’s boss, the mayor, was Zohran Mamdani. Contact information for officials responsible for ACC oversight appears below.

NYC ACC March 2026 outcome data

CATS KILLED THIS MONTH: 104
DOGS KILLED THIS MONTH: 167

CATS KILLED THIS YEAR: 323
DOGS KILLED THIS YEAR: 435

Note that ACC omits from its “euthanasia” totals owner-surrendered animals who were exterminated without being offered for adoption. Placement rates reported by ACC do not include such cats and dogs, but they are counted among the dead by TSNY.

Animals whom ACC classifies as “died in care” or “lost in care” are named and counted by TSNY, among the cats and dogs ACC are known to have destroyed with intent.

In memoriam

CATS

Though ACC reported 104 exterminations in March, the “at-risk outcomes” list showed no cat killings. NYC ACC KILLS will update this post as information becomes available.

DOGS

Boogie Woogie [245844]: 3 years old; killed March 1.

Boogie Woogie, a stray, was not a hyper pup. ACC staff said he was “a calm, curious fellow who enjoys quiet moments and gentle attention — a mellow companion.” The only time he lived up to his name was when he’d see a visitor approaching. He would stand at his kennel door “so excited to see a visitor that he goes into a full body wag before he presses up against the kennel bars for additional scratches!”

During his gate greeting with another dog, he was relaxed and waggy. The only time he didn’t want to cooperate was when he was being returned to the kennel.

So what happened? After several weeks in the “shelter,” ACC said Boogie Woogie began deteriorating, hyper-salivating and spinning in his kennel, so they put him on Trazadone and neutered him.

More drugs followed. Eighteen days after neutering him, ACC killed Boogie Woogie on day 43 — another spay-neuter-kill victim.

Tamarindo [248161]: 2 years old; killed March 2.

Tamarindo was a very scared underweight stray, given no chances. Vocal in his kennel and sick while at ACC, he bit his tongue being muscled back into his kennel. His notes record that his tongue was bleeding, but there was no record of any treatment or care.

ACC took one photo, didn’t make a video. Tamarindo never had a chance. Dr. Robin Brennen’s vet team killed him on day nine.

Mike [240530]: 3 years old; killed March 2.

Found in an abandoned building with another dog, shy Mike was the rare dog who did well in dog playgroup. ACC allowed Mike’s owner to reclaim the other dog, leaving Mike behind and also leaving no information about him.

“Mike has been a consummate gentleman,” said a volunteer. “He is easy to walk, quickly shows off his best ‘give paw’ and ‘down’ and is becoming a volunteer favorite. The only time he tends to act a bit uncouth is when treats are involved and he turns into a bit of a gremlin!”

During the time he was at ACC, Mike steadily lost weight, dropping from 83 pounds to 70. After 3 months, they finally tested him positive for giardia. Neutered in December, ACC killed Mike on day 124.

Chulo [241254]: 3 years old; killed March 3.

Chulo, an underweight stray, was scared on arrival but adjusted to shelter life quickly and became a volunteer favorite. “When I first met him, his soulful, slightly sad eyes instantly tugged at my heart,” said a volunteer. “This sweet three-year-old boy is friendly and affectionate, always eager to please and be close to his person. He loves leaning his whole body against your leg for extra snuggles, soaking up every bit of affection he can get.

“One volunteer refers to Chulo as her ‘crush’ and it’s easy to see why! This dreamboat is so easygoing; he’s great on a leash and is just so happy to be in the company of a friendly person who loves snuggling as much as he does. He will eagerly show off his tricks (not only ‘sit’ and ‘paw’ but ‘other paw!’) in exchange for belly rubs. It’s all a win/win with Chulo! We adore him.”

ACC had Chulo neutered in December and killed the pup volunteers adored on day 116.

Super [247901]: age unknown; killed March 3.

Found February 18, ACC killed Super two weeks later. A silent kill, he was never made available for foster or adoption.

Sapphire [248132]: 2 years old; killed March 4.

Sapphire, a stray, was intensely fearful and had just started wagging her tail and learning to trust a handler when ACC killed her on day 12.

She didn’t want to be touched, but she did take toys and wag her tail when they were offered.

For most of her time at ACC, Sapphire had diarrhea, which became severe in the last few days of her short life.

Guinness [247879]: 2 years old; killed March 4.

“Friendly but nervous” during intake, Guinness, a stray who came in with another dog, did well in his dog/dog meet. But he soon grew fearful at ACC, seeking exit in rooms and not wanting to go back into his kennel, normal behaviors for which ACC will mark a dog for “behavior” — ACC-speak for “nuisance.”

ACC never made a video of Guinness and took only one photo. When he began leash biting, that seems to have been the (ridiculous) impetus to kill Guinness on day 14.

“Jambalaya” [246391]: 2 years old; killed March 4.

Jambalaya, an affectionate couch potato, lost her family, which included another dog and two cats, due to housing. She also lost her name. Her family called her Yeezy, ACC changed it to Jambalaya.

Her family said Yeezy was a very loving, protective dog, but could take some time to warm up to new people, and that’s just what happened at ACC. She became consistently social, loose and wiggly, and really loved playing fetch.

Put on death row for “behavior,” the only reason cited is that she growled on intake and barked at staff. ACC killed Yeezy on day 36.

Fox [217837]: 4 years old; killed March 6.

“In a way it can feel silly that a nearly 70 pound dog is so scared, but it’s true,” said a volunteer. “Fox is a big boy and based on what we know, he may not have had the easiest life. This is his second time at the shelter, and while he was reclaimed last time, this time he’s back as a stray and there doesn’t seem to be anyone coming back for him again.

“Fox has been too scared to interact much at the shelter, but we give it a try anyway. Offers of sausages and toys go rebuffed, but time does its trick and slowly he makes his way over to us to watch the world from our feet. He scans nervously, never quite relaxing, but stays right near us. Eventually he launches himself into my lap, rests his enormous head on my shoulder and into the crook of my arm. It’s hard not to feel honored when you win the trust of a shy, handsome boy like Fox.”

Fox was fearful but he never showed any signs of defensive aggression. He came to ACC with another dog, Tyson [217836], with whom he was bonded. Staff recommended housing them within sight of each other but Robin Brennen’s vet team killed Tyson on day 14, a silent kill.

They killed Fox on day 30.

Daisy [248655]: 12 years old; killed March 6.

Found on March 1, Brennen and company exterminated emaciated senior Daisy five days later — a silent kill, whom ACC never tried to place with a foster or adopter.

Capone [247790]: 4 years old; killed March 6.

Capone came to ACC after spending a month with a caregiver. They said Capone had been bitten by a dog previously and therefore didn’t like being around other dogs. He was dog-reactive at ACC, but on one occasion he was able to greet a dog at the gate with a loose body and wagging tail, until he then began to whimper.

In the short time he was at ACC, Capone was fearful, anxious when alone in his kennel but super social and wiggly once he got to know staff. A volunteer said, “We met Capone for the first time yesterday. While he took his stress out productively by chewing up a toy, we marveled at how cute he was each time he glanced our way while working. When he was done with his toy, he came to say hi, much more relaxed. I can see Capone has some trouble sitting and moving well, in spite of being a gorgeous, young boy. He flashes his beautiful smile at us between bites of snacks and showing us he knows how to give paw on cue.”

ACC killed Capone on day 18.

Taffy [245980]: 5 years old; killed March 6.

A volunteer said, “We meet Taffy on a bitterly cold day. The sidewalks are full of snow and she is reluctant to walk. Eventually, she slowly makes her way to the yard where we are waiting for lots of cuddles. We try to keep her as warm as possible, but she is clearly having a hard time. Taffy came to us when she was found tied up with wounds on her head.

“A good Samaritan brought her into the police station, where she was brought to us. Since then, Taffy has been dealing with a bad case of pneumonia. She has been uncomfortable, prefers to not leave her kennel and often is not eating. We try our best to offer a little bit of comfort and love, and Taffy tries to be a good sport, leaning into us, but she is clearly a girl not made for the winter NYC is throwing us this year.”

On intake Taffy was timid and trembling but trusting and affectionate despite the wounds on the back of her head and between her eyes. Staff at ACC wrote that Taffy was a “clever and enthusiastic pup,” enrolled in their Shelter Scholar program, eager to learn new skills and making good progress.

After all she went through and survived, Robin Brennen’s vet team killed Taffy on day 45.

Ezekiel [249015]: age unknown; killed March 7.

Found on March 6, Ezekiel was killed the next day — a silent kill.

Nacho [244581]: 2 years old; killed March 8.

A volunteer said Nacho, an underweight stray, had “been living in a pop-up crate since he arrived. Nacho has been so good and so patient, but he is starting to get stressed, wondering why no one sees what a good, sweet boy he is and how playful. Nacho truly is an absolute sweetheart.”

ACC staff agreed, writing that Nacho with his “tail wagging constantly [was] gentle and a total snuggle bug … eager to please and ready to learn.”

Loose and wiggly, easily leashed, both gentle and, at times, exuberant, Nacho was neutered in February and killed on day 69 — another spay-neuter-kill victim.

Vulcan [245267]: 10 years old; killed March 8.

Happy and vibrant when out of her kennel, Vulcan seemed far younger than her 10 years as she pranced with joy and a goofy grin in the play yard. Her extraordinary hippity hop dance can be seen on her video above.

Vulcan arrived at ACC a fearful stray, but soon got her bearings and sought attention and affection from staff. She never lost her fear of other dogs while there but was so eager to bond and play with staff.

ACC killed Vulcan on day 59.

Laura Lee [249002]: age unknown; killed March 8.

Laura Lee was found on March 5 and killed three days later with no attempt to find her a foster or adopter. Another silent kill.

Triton [248516]: 3 years old; killed March 9.

Oh-so handsome Triton, an underweight stray, was killed by ACC on day 10.

Brought in by police, terrified, Triton never got a chance. Did they try to help him recover from his fear? There were notes for only three days while he was at ACC. If they tried, they didn’t bother to make note of it.

Bulldoser [245095]: 4 years old; killed March 9.

Bulldoser (inexplicably with an “s” not a “z”) came to ACC as a stray and spent some time in foster. His former foster wrote, “Hi world, I’m Bulldoser! I’m a goofy pup who loves to cuddle and play. Let’s play fetch, a little tug of war and then cuddle together! I know what I want and will let you know when cuddling and pets are done (sidenote, they are never done). I’m also an expert napper! I’m looking for someone who will rub my belly, fill it with treats and throw my ball. Then I’m the happiest and goofiest pup of all.“

Staff at ACC wrote that Bulldoser was “playful and cute, with a friendly, curious nature.” A volunteer said, he “lives up to his name, cute, funny and strong.“ He loved belly rubs and squeaky toys, liked to walk with a ball in his mouth, and wasn’t happy to share space with other dogs.

ACC killed Bulldoser on day 56.

Tennessee [248214]: 2 years old; killed March 10.

Tennessee’s owner, who bought her as a puppy, didn’t take her outside, claiming at 65 pounds that Tennessee was too big. Tennessee lived with a cat but didn’t socialize with other dogs. They had the police bring Tennessee to ACC, where the poor pup arrived understandably fearful and frozen.

Tennessee remained mostly fearful during her short time at ACC, but she sought comfort from a handler she trusted and seemed to want to make a dog friend, becoming wiggly and tail wagging when she spied a dog in another pen.

Given no time, Tennessee never had the chance to develop the skills a dog needs to survive ACC. Team Brennen killed Tennessee on day 16.

Goldie [248997]: 8 years old; killed March 10.

Goldie entered ACC on March 3 as a stray and was killed a week later, a silent kill. ACC reported that Goldie was having seizures and was believed to have cancer. If there’s one thing the “care center” won’t abide, it’s a sick dog.

Diamond Princess [244447]: 9 years old; killed March 11.

Diamond Princess was given to her human six months before they surrendered her due to an illness that made them unable to care for her. They said, she’s “playful like a kid,” will play with any toy given to her but particularly likes to steal socks to play tug of war. An affectionate and happy pup, she liked to give kisses and also to dance.

Diamond Princess did well at ACC, noted to be gentle, social, and cooperative. Like her human, Diamond Princess was also sick, had chronic respiratory and ear issues as well as mammary masses that needed to be diagnosed. Instead, ACC killed her on day 56.

Betty Boy [245484]: 4 years old; killed on March 12.

Betty Boy, a volunteer said, “is the wiggliest boy in all the land. His butt wiggle knows no bounds. He is a young, active, and social boy who is a bit of firecracker … Betty Boy loves to play, jump, and run. He throws his toys himself and chases them across the yard, play bowing and wagging his tail.”

Betty Boy, a stray, did well in his dog/dog greet, offering play bows, but became more dog reactive over time.

Neutered in February, ACC killed the irrepressible Betty Boy on day 60, another spay-neuter-kill victim.

Winks [236938]: 9 years old; killed March 13.

Winks’ human was also without a home. Volunteers loved Winks as much as his human did.

One volunteer said, “Winks is the cutest little warlock we’ve ever seen and we find out quickly how he got his name. Both eyes head in opposite directions giving him excellent peripheral vision, though we aren’t sure if he’ll ever be able to make direct eye contact with you. Maybe that’s how he puts his spells on people, because it only takes a few minutes for us to be bewitched by him! He offers us his paw, rolls over for belly rubs (and a glorious belly he has!) and gets a bit vocal when we aren’t giving him treats fast enough. And when it’s time to go back inside, he lays down and frogs his legs out in protest. Whatever voodoo he is using is working, because we are totally smitten with Winks!”

Anther volunteer who took him out of the shelter on a break said “I wanted to give him the best/longest boroughbreak ever and I can see that he loved every single bit of it. Winks stole my heart and my sweater.”

His day out of the shelter, on video above, captures a perfect day for Winks. Loved by volunteers, affectionate and fun, Winks (also a Shelter Scholar) became one of ACC’s few long-term stays; there for 27 weeks before deciding his time was up.

Doctor Kevin [248792]: 1 year old; killed March 13.

The police who found year-old puppy Doctor Kevin said he was social and easily entered their car. On intake he was reported to be wiggly and social with staff.

On his third day at ACC, Brennen and company put him on Trazodone for screeching, after which he became very dog-reactive. Surely ACC vets know Trazodone can have the opposite effect, causing aggression?

Five day later, ACC killed Doctor Kevin, who was, despite the name they gave him, still a puppy. He had been there 11 days.

Totoro [248428]: 3 years old; killed March 13.

Totoro, a stray, didn’t like being caged. When outside of her kennel she proved to be a sweet and playful girl who patiently waited for treats, gave paw, and took them gently. What she really didn’t want to do was go back to her cage.

When dogs passed by her kennel, she was terrified and reactive. Given Gabapentin and Trazodone, which wasn’t helping her stress and was possibly increasing it, ACC killed beautiful Totoro on day 16. The picture above is the only one they bothered to take.

Washington Denim [248988]: 2 years old; killed March 14.

A stray saddled with a purposely burdensome handle, Washington Denim was gorgeous, vocal and very scared. Social with a handler he trusted, but bouncing off his kennel walls, freaked out by other dogs.

At ACC, dogs like Washington Denim rarely get the time they need to decompress, or even a video that would help them attract a foster.

ACC killed Washington Denim on day 10.

Maximite [248434]: 1 year old; killed March 14.

While out on a walk, Maximite slipped his leash and ran up to another dog to play; the dog became defensive and a fight ensued. Both dogs bit but the other dog didn’t have any broken skin. Maximite, however, had puncture wounds and also was stabbed by the other dog’s owner with a knife.

At home, Maximite lived happily with kids and another dog. An affectionate puppy, he was known to be friendly to all, including strangers. His family surrendered him because of a landlord issue.

At ACC, Maximite was a terrified puppy, trembling and flinching, who so clearly no longer felt safe in the world. Unlike almost every dog there, he was relieved after walks to be back in his kennel. He never showed any signs of agression at ACC but bizarrely, ACC wrote, “Maximite was involved in an incident where he bite [sic] and held another dog, but did not break skin. However, this behavior is likely to continue as it has become part of Maximite’s repertoire, and will need careful management to work toward reducing triggers for Maximite and reducing the resulting bites.”

With irresponsible descriptions like that, it would be difficult for Maximite to find a home. But it didn’t matter; ACC didn’t give him time to find one. The good Dr. Brennen and company killed Maximite on day 17.

Hendrix [248957]: 2 years old; killed March 14.

Cute Hendrix, a stray, was killed day 11. Why? For tugging and biting at his leash. That was his crime. Four days before ACC killed Hendrix — the last day for which they have notes — it was reported that he was lethargic. There are no medical notes about examining or treating him. Too many sedatives? CIRDC? At ACC, both are likely answers.

Smoke [247283]: 3 years old; killed March 14.

Smoke wasn’t happy being around the other dogs at ACC and judging by the many scars that criss-cross his handsome face, who could blame him?

In his home, Smoke lived with another dog. They were friendly and playful with each other, according to the owner, but on walks would frequently “go at each other.” Smoke, his owner said, was friendly, outgoing, and playful; he lived with three kids.

Surrendered to ACC because of his owner’s health, Smoke arrived underweight and with an ear infection. On intake, he allowed all handling for exams, was social and sought attention. Video at ACC shows a sad boy with his stuffy. ACC killed Smoke on day 32 for being dog-reactive.

Toffee [246964]: 3 years old; killed March 15.

Toffee, a stray, was afraid at ACC, mostly of the other dogs.

A volunteer said, “before we meet him, we are told he’s a nervous boy who hasn’t been comfortable being touched too much. So in spite of that truly irresistible, sweet, wrinkly browed face, we are hands off with Toffee and let him choose how he’d like to interact. He enjoys our treats, and takes his new stuffed purple octopus for a walk around the yard as emotional support as he checks out the space. As he walks we get a clue as to why he may be so uncomfortable — his gait is off, each limb moving atypically. Perhaps he’s not feeling too great, and I hope wherever he lands can help him get the help he needs to feel more comfortable.

“In the end our hands-off approach is winning. Toffee climbs a lap to check us out, and as he gets more brave he paws the air towards me for a treat. When I take a seat he comes to find me and sits his butt right on my feet, leaning in for contact. I just about melt — winning the trust of this doe-eyed boy, even for a short while, is heaven.”

Most happy in quiet spaces, Toffee was killed day 39.

Clyde [244000]: 5 years old; killed March 15.

Clyde’s owner left him at a police station, saying they could no longer care for him. A volunteer wrote: “When we first met Clyde he had only been in the shelter for a few days. Shy and nervous, he planted himself next to me for cuddles the moment I sat down. He was quiet, but happy to take some snacks and comfort.

“I’m pleased to report that version of Clyde is a distant memory. This past weekend he came roaring into an adjoining yard with his big personality. He ran around with his big floppy body and popped his big nose through the small hole in the door like it was a drive through window — he was fed his snackies.”

Clyde, underweight with a body score of 3/9, was neutered the week of his arrival, a risky procedure for underweight dogs. Clyde was timid but according to ACC, “highly social with staff.”

By the time ACC killed Clyde on day 88, ACC had him on so many sedatives he was drooling and covered with poop, diarrhea being just one of the side effects of the human-grade drugs in Dr. Brennen’s “behavior” kit.

Benny [238223]: 5 years old; killed March 16.

Super sweet Benny melted hearts at ACC, a volunteer said, “standing up with his paws spread up against the door, his big adorable face looking out, hoping for an extra walk.”

Benny arrived at ACC an injured stray with cruciate ligament ruptures and some scarring and lameness in his hind limbs, which didn’t affect his love of the play yard, “where he starts off with some zoomies, thrilled for a break … He happily chases after the toy I toss, giving it a play-bow and doing a brief run with it.

“But what Benny finds even more fun and interesting is exploring the yard —where he slowly examines every inch with his nose, taking in all the information left by previous dogs. I offer him another toy and then some treats, but he’s just too absorbed in his ‘reading’ of all these new, exciting scents. Then suddenly, something captures his attention — another dog walking by! Benny runs over to the gate, hoists himself up on his hind legs, and watches with great curiosity (sometimes with his tail wagging) as the other pup goes by until completely out of sight. He then returns to his job as Smell-lock Holmes … until another dog appears.“

As time went on, exuberant Benny became more stressed by life confined to a kennel. He never lost his social nature, but with few chances to interact with people and get outside to play, he was noted by the end of his time at ACC to to sit in his kennel fixated on his own reflection on the door. ACC neutered Benny in January and killed him on day 167.

Dolo [199297]: age unknown; killed March 16.

Dolo, fka Rico, found in Far Rockaway on March 10, was killed six days later, a silent kill. Dolo was sent straight to kill command with no information about him. ACC never wanted to place him, just kill him.

Dolo was also found alone in 2024 in Manhattan, and ACC used the exact same photo. Why bother, with a dog immediately marked for death? In that lost and found record Dolo was listed as four years old.

Choco Pie [228381]: 4 years old; killed March 17.

Choco Pie first entered ACC as a stray in May 2025. Since then he spent most of his time in foster care. He had three fosters; shuffling from home to home must have been stressful for him, as his separation anxiety proved to be an issue in finding a permanent home.

One of his fosters wrote, “Just like his name, Choco Pie is all sweetness with a marshmallowy center. He’s a total lovebug who wants nothing more than to be by your side — especially if you’re handing out chest rubs. Taking a break from work? Great, he’s already there, giving you those big eyes that say, ‘Is it cuddle o’clock yet?’ He’s a pro on the leash (with the occasional detour when an interesting smell crosses his path), but overall, he’s got that walk game down. Plop yourself on the floor, and Choco Pie will politely trot over and sit like a gentleman, just close enough to make sure you notice how soft his head and chest are. Within seconds, all decorum vanishes — flop! — he’s on his back, legs in the air, inviting you to pets on his chest, sides, squishy neck folds, and under his chin. Also, you will definitely want to. He’s brave and confident when you’re around, but being alone still makes him a little anxious. He’s working on it, though, and with some patience and gentle training, he’ll learn to be more confident and independent.“

Not surprisingly, Choco Pie never fully got over his separation anxiety. Returned to ACC for the last time, he loved to greet handlers when he was out on a walk or in the play yard. Still, ACC killed him — a dog that staff, volunteers, and networkers had been working for so long to help find the place in the world he deserved.

A video above shows Choco Pie’s best days, free to play in the park with other dogs, swimming in a creek, spending time in a home, cuddling and enjoying the love every dog’s life should include.

Poppa [247087]: 6 years old; killed March 17.

Kicked out by the landlord, Poppa’s human said he was a “loving guy looking for his new cuddle buddy — he loves to sleep all together.” Though scared by loud noises and strangers, and nervous with people at first, Poppa did relatively well at ACC. A “certified good boy,” a volunteer said.

On intake, Poppa was very scared, and never completely relaxed, but he was cooperative, easily leashed, wagged his tail in the play yard, leaned in for pets.

That wasn’t good enough for ACC; they killed Poppa on day 40.

Foreign [232021]: 3 years old; killed March 19.

In March, ACC killed many of their long-term stays — and Shelter Scholars. Foreign was killed on day 145. When Foreign’s family surrendered her to ACC, they said, “When you’re feeling lonely or stressed, Foreign will recognize that and administer cuddles or play time to help distract you from your thoughts.”

A volunteer agreed; they wrote, “Each time I meet with her she must sense some stress because she’s full of endless kisses that no doubt help erase it away. She often gets into my lap and is content to just hang out in the yard.”

Foreign was unlucky, surrendered due to housing issues twice since July 2025, both times ending up at ACC. As a Shelter Scholar, Foreign was learning to overcome on-leash reactivity to other dogs. Doing well, ACC said. But like several other Shelter Scholars this month, killed just the same.

Big Kahuna [245760]: 2 years old; killed March 20.

Big Kahuna, a not so big 48 pound pup, did have “a big personality and plenty of charm” according to ACC. Smart also.

A volunteer said he had “lots of energy and sweetness.” They noted he was “often on high alert outside on our street walks. This feels like kennel stress to m e— so understandable in this overcrowded, noisy place — as Big K starts to relax a bit and gets calmer the longer we walk. Long street walks seem to be the hot ticket with this sweet, anxious guy.”

Easily leashed, wiggly and wagging, occasionally shy, Big Kahuna was neutered at the end of January and killed on day 64.

Chestnut [244644]: 5 years old; killed March 21.

At ACC, Chestnut spent some time in foster care, where, according to her foster, she was “an absolute dream … She adores cuddles and will happily snuggle up with you any chance she gets, especially when she’s cozy in her favorite jammies. She picked up loose-leash walking incredibly quickly and is a joy to take out for strolls. In the home, she’s been a perfect houseguest: no accidents, no chewing or getting into things, and no reactivity. She’s gentle, well-mannered, and ready to bring comfort, love, and lots of snuggles to her next home.”

Returned from foster care, Chestnut spent most of her time at ACC in a small pop-up crate at Queens, a poorly-designed ACC death house that has been overcrowded from day one. Imagine the shock.

In her crate, pulling the cover off, moving the crate by pawing, Chestnut tried to get their attention. When finally taken out, toe tapping, wiggling and whining a bit, Chestnut began leash biting — one way to communicate her frustration.

Another spay-neuter-kill victim, Chestnut was altered on March 1, heavily sedated with Gabapentin shortly after, and killed on the 21st.

Mia [249949]: 14 years old; killed March 22.

Tiny, scared senior pup Mia was found on March 18 and killed four days later. A silent kill, given no chance to find a home.

Walter [245556]: 4 years old; killed March 23.

Walter sang for his life and still, ACC killed him on day 61.

A volunteer said, “One of our favorite things to do is discover the hidden talents of the dogs we meet. Give paw? Sit pretty? Our most beloved cue is definitely roll over. But occasionally, we uncover a truly unique gift, one that knocks us off of our feet, and with Walter that was inadvertently finding out he could sing! A mere squeak of the toy sent him into flurry of howling, pursed lips, nose aimed toward the sky, AWOOOO! The most stunning baritone we’ve ever heard! And when we give him our best alto note, he matches is a perfect harmony. How did he ever acquire such a musical genius and why hasn’t he been adopted yet?!”

You can hear Walter sing in the video above.

Walter, a stray, they continued “was found tied to workout equipment in an outdoor park. He was initially so scared and fractious but started to calm down with baby talk. Throughout his over 50-day stay thus far, Walter has greeted people with a wiggly body and been social.”

Apparently not appreciating Walter’s musical genius or the brand ambassador possibilities, ACC wrote that Walter was “highly social and is very vocal with staff and volunteers.” Then they killed him.

Panini [249922]: age unknown; killed March 23.

Panini was killed six days after he was found, a silent kill. ACC never tried to find him a foster or adopter.

Hunter [248545]: 1 year old; killed March 25.

Hunter’s human gave him up because they were also moving into a shelter.

Hunter, they said, was friendly to all, including other dogs, very affectionate, and loved to cuddle. On ACC intake, they noted that Hunter was very sweet and friendly, seeking pets and sitting on command.

The fake hand they used in testing “behavior” tripped up Hunter. He bit and ACC doesn’t like that, despite the test being widely considered to prove absolutely nothing. He also humped the fake dog. A no-no?

Given lots of sedatives, puppy Hunter, utterly defeated (as you can see in his photo) was killed on day 28.

Rio [249707]: 4 years old; killed March 26.

Rio was a pup traumatized by loss. His main caregiver left the home and Rio’s walks went from twice a day, to once a day, to a few times a week. His owner wonders why his behavior changed?

They weren’t specific on that change, other than he no longer enjoyed being bathed, was fearful of loud noises, and would growl when disturbed while sleeping or startled. His family didn’t bring him to ACC; they had him dragged out with a control pole.

ACC gave Rio no chances. They made notes on him for only one day and killed him on day 12.

Cozy [248475]: 2 years old; killed March 26.

At ACC, Cozy, a stray, was easily leashed, checked in on walks, sat for treats, allowed petting, liked laps, and was easily returned to kennel. Why kill her? Because she bit a dog in her finder’s home?

As happens all too often, Dr. Brennen’s black-hoods killed Cozy on day 28 for “behavior” that they didn’t witness, and that didn’t take place at ACC.

Godzilla [248919]: 7 months old; killed March 26.

ACC killed 7-month-old puppy Godzilla on day 10. Godzilla’s human said he was shy, friendly, and affectionate with all. On intake, ACC agreed, writing that Godzilla was “shy but so friendly and outgoing with counselors.”

ACC killed Godzilla because he “has been seen hiding behind known staff and in the back of his kenne l… He has grabbed a staff member’s finger during handling, causing redness without breaking skin.” Goodness, killing a puppy for being mouthy? For hiding? What kind of school for behavior training did ACC staff go to? What kind of vet would go along with it?

ACC made notes on Godzilla for just two days while he was there. He was scared and biting the leash. They did nothing to help a shy sweet puppy who had just lost his home and family.

Magneto [248301]: 4 years old; killed March 27.

Magneto was left in a subway station with a muzzle on. The police reported that “he didn’t display any aggression and seemed happy to engage with humans.”

“When we met him,” said a volunteer, “we knew by his chill demeanor that he would be a good candidate to play a little dress up! Not surprisingly, he let us put a leprechaun hat and beard on him, and even though he looked utterly ridiculous he was incredibly cute and unphased by the get up! Thankfully for Magneto, though, he doesn’t need a costume and is incredibly handsome on his own. He is gentle and sweet and despite whatever his past was, still a joyful guy.”

ACC killed Magneto for kennel reactivity — whatever made-up “behavior” problem that is — on day 31.

Levania [247897]: 2 years old; killed March 27.

Levania, a scared stray, was eager for affection. So ACC, of course, denied it.

“Reported by staff via the whiteboard that Levania is soliciting pets, leaning body into handler, but noted that Levania was not petted during the interaction.”

ACC killed Levania on day 38 because she was reactive to the dogs there.

Willow Luna [249074]: 4 years old; killed March 27.

Willow Luna’s family lost their home, that family having taken her in from a person who also lost their home.

She lived happily with kids, did well at ACC in her dog/dog greet, was social, wiggly, easily leashed, and cooperative — with one exception: she did not want to return to her kennel.

Brennen and company killed gentle Willow Luna on day 22 for being “highly anxious.”

Papa Smurf [248279]: 5 years old; killed March 27.

Papa Smurf, abandoned by his family, entered ACC trembling, with a baseball-sized swollen area on his neck, a wound to his ear, overgrown nails, and inflamed paws.

Papa Smurf then contracted CIRDC — a cruel rite of passage at the unsanitary, poorly-managed “shelter.”

“Papa Smurf may be a big boy, but he’s also a scared one,” a volunteer wrote. “He’s 72 lbs and was found as a stray. He was loose and wiggly until he was placed in a crate for transport to ACC, which he was scared to be in. He crouched in the back of it, whale eyeing, trembling, and low growling. I can understand his fear, it feels only natural.

“When we meet him, we can see his apprehension about us too. We try to win him over with sausages and toys, but he’s not swayed easily. He does love a good butt scritching though, and stomps his hind legs when we do! His skin is a mess and I’m sure it feels good to be scratched.”

Scheduled to be neutered, his kennel cough saved him from that unnecessary procedure. ACC killed Papa Smurf on day 32.

Lola [247295]: 6 months old; killed March 28.

Via ACC: “It’s not often that we fawn over puppies, but our videos of 6-month-old Lola are filled with accolades. ‘She’s sooooo cute ... Those ears!! That pouty mouth,’ said a volunteer. And throughout our time with us, she stuck close, in our lap or snuggling her face on our shoulder. Though Lola has been overwhelmed and scared at the shelter, with us she was sweet and loving and all of the things you’d expect from a puppy.

Lola was surrendered when her senior owner could no longer properly care for her. She was described as a friendly and affectionate dog who did well with strangers and children. She can hide from dogs she doesn’t know. During gate greets at the shelter she has had mixed reactions to novel dogs.”

Consistently social, wiggly and “very affectionate” with handlers despite being overwhelmed and scared, ACC killed Lola on day 31 because she was reactive to other dogs.

Zeus [249329]: 6 years old; killed March 28.

Zeus was at ACC twice, first as a stray who was reclaimed and this time, seized from an apartment. His owner described him as playful, full of joy, and also very smart.

Fearful at first, Zeus soon was licking faces and leaning in for butt rubs. Didn’t matter. ACC killed him on day 19.

“Tiny Thimble” [250162]: 5 years old; killed March 29.

She may have been 5 years old but her human, who lost their home, said she was really a baby and loved to cuddle.

Although shy and avoidant of new situations, Tiny — that was her real name, which ACC purposely, vindictively made stupid — happily lived with kids. At ACC, she was terrified, trembling and hiding in the back of her kennel. Her photo says it all: Get me out of here!

Instead, ACC killed Tiny on day nine.

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We take names. We step on toes. We bring receipts.

Subscribe to The Scoop New York

NYC ACC KILLS, published by TSNY, enumerates and memorializes adoptable cats and dogs who were nonetheless exterminated by Animal Care Centers of New York City.

Every Monday, NYC ACC KILLS subscribers receive The Weekly Carnage: bios, photos and videos of adoptable cats and dogs known to be recent ACC victims. Subscribers also get monthly memoriam posts that include ACC data summaries along with an updated compendium of animals whose lives were ended by ACC that month. Videos from current and prior months may also be found on The Scoop New York’s YouTube channel.

For more New York companion animal news, follow NYC ACC KILLS and The Scoop New York on social media.

About NYC ACC KILLS memoriam posts

Like most New York City officials, including Mayor Zohran Mamdani, NYC ACC staff as a rule do not respond to queries from The Scoop New York. Information in NYC ACC KILLS memoriam posts, therefore, is drawn from reader tips and the ACC “at-risk outcomes” list.

As evidenced by its monthly and annual outcome data reports, ACC kills far more cats and dogs than appear on the at-risk list. ACC exterminates many healthy and adoptable cats and dogs without first offering them for adoption. Victims of this ACC practice are known among advocates as “silent kills.”

ACC will often spay or neuter a cat or dog only to exterminate her or him during recovery, or soon after. This practice is known as “spay-neuter-kill.”

Known silent kills and spay-neuter-kill victims are identified as such by NYC ACC KILLS.

Since cats are underrepresented on ACC’s “at-risk outcomes” list, they are also underrepresented here.

Due to gaps in ACC record-keeping, memoriam posts are, sadly, bound to be incomplete. The Scoop New York continually adds names and images of ACC victims to NYC ACC KILLS as we find them. Follow NYC ACC KILLS and The Scoop New York on social media for updates.

If you’re with a rescue, or you’re an NYC ACC volunteer, and would like to contribute images of exterminate cats and dogs — or tell us about your experience working with ACC — please contact TSNY.

A note about names: Many animals come to NYC ACC with unknown histories, including their names. In addition, ACC does not always use the name a cat or dog is accustomed to, even if the agency knows what it is. As a result, many animals exterminated by ACC are never properly identified. Unfortunately, for the most part NYC ACC KILLS has only the names provided by ACC, even if those names are incorrect or nonsensical. ACC-assigned names are presented here without quotation marks unless TSNY can confirm an animal was known by a different name when admitted to ACC.

ACC operates under putative supervision by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, which endorses the publicly-funded killing of healthy and adoptable cats and dogs at will and with impunity.

In memoriam

CATS

At publication time NYC ACC KILLS had no information on cats recently exterminated by ACC. Subscribe to receive updated monthly NYC ACC KILLS memoriam posts.

Subscribe now

DOGS

Coffee Grounds [251087]: 2 years old; killed May 11.

ACC named a young stray dog Coffee Grounds, continuing their long tradition of issuing spiteful and dehumanizing names to stray dogs they are supposed to care for.

ACC wrote, “This girl is a young stray who was found tied to a pole and is now starting a new chapter where she can finally learn what safety and stability feel like. Her past is unknown, but what she shows us today is a dog who is eager to connect with people.”

Coffee Grounds had “puppy energy” and curiosity, she liked to stick close to her handler, seeking attention and affection. She didn’t get that “new chapter” they said she was ready for. ACC killed her on day 40.

Eggsy [251376]: 7 months old: killed May 12.

When Eggsy was 6 months old he was turned over to the police by an anonymous person who said Eggsy bit her and her daughter, but refused to show the police any proof of bites. A call from another anonymous person to police said Eggsy had been taken from a person who wasn’t feeding him.

At ACC, a volunteer called foul on the biting accusation in the video they made of adorable Eggsy. Regardless, Eggsy paid the price, first by having to spend his time in isolation on DOH hold during his first week at ACC. Then those unproven bites became part of ACC’s excuse for killing Eggsy

During his stay at ACC, Eggsy never showed any signs of aggression or even defensive behavior. He was bouncy and social, eager to greet staff. A volunteer wrote, “Less than a year old, this incredibly handsome boy is a very playful, exuberant puppy. He has lots of pep in his step and simply loves treats, which he very readily sits for … After taking a treat, he would immediately sit again on his own, tail wagging as he waited patiently for the next one.”

ACC killed Eggsy 37 days after he arrived, citing “overarousal.” In other words, like so many other victims, ACC killed Eggsy for being a puppy.

Looper [252212]: 1 year old; killed May 13.

Looper, a stray, came to ACC tail wagging, friendly and hopeful, although feeling poorly with diarrhea that lasted several days.

Over time, playful and energetic Looper, surrounded by barking dogs, became increasingly dog reactive. A high-energy pup, he remained cooperative and social with staff despite his shelter-induced stress.

ACC killed Looper on day 26.

Mahogany [253653]: age unknown; killed May 14.

Mahogany was found on May 4. She was adopted soon after and returned to ACC.

Instead of trying to re-home her, ACC killed Mahogany 10 days after she was found on the street, a silent kill.

Pancho [253270]: 7 years old; killed May 16.

His human said 108-pound Pancho was affectionate and timid, initially fearful around strangers. He played gently with other dogs and was respectful of kids. Surrendered because their landlord would not allow, Pancho was terrified and bewildered at ACC, trembling and avoiding interactions with staff. He did well on walks but panicked and froze on occasion.

At ACC Pancho had a mass, ear infection, and elevated liver enzymes. He was issued a waiver for being neutered because of his medical condition and age. On May 6, his medical records note a post-surgical exam. It didn’t specify what for, though most likely they neutered Pancho despite the risks.

By the May 12, he had CIRDC, had stopped eating, and had blood in his urine. Their last note on Pancho, before they killed him on day 18, was that he wasn’t eating, which meant he also wasn’t getting his medicine.

Stone [250970]: 7 years old; killed May 16.

Stone, a peanut-butter-loving couch potato, was abandoned by his owner who said they had allergies to the dog who had lived his whole life with them.

He was calm on intake, leaned in for pets, wagged his tail, and allowed all handling, but soon became fearful. ACC said he would avoid handlers. His video shows otherwise: a playful senior pup, thoroughly enjoying butt rubs and comfortable being close to his handler.

ACC killed Stone on day 25.

Peanut [246695]: 4 years old; killed May 16.

Peanut was found alone in the basement of a building where she’d been for about a month. She was scared on intake and even more so a week later when another dog broke loose from their kennel and bit her three times, leaving deep puncture wounds.

A volunteer wrote, “Peanut is a shy girl in an overwhelming environment … Since she came into the care center, she has been very nervous, but given time and some space to breathe, she can relax a bit into a gentle, demure girl. She often flinches with fast movement, and jumps away from interaction. When she has more agency, Peanut leans into pets, gently and cautiously.

“Peanut’s body language on walks changes as she gets further from the shelter; she loosens her stride and relaxes. But walking back to the shelter she tenses again, nervous to be back inside.”

ACC wrote that Peanut, enrolled in the Shelter Scholar program, was working to stay focused and calm in overwhelming situations. Per her notes, “Peanut is making great strides and is well on her way to becoming a more composed and confident pup.”

Well on her way, but not given time to find a home. Instead, after spaying her on April 21, ACC killed Peanut on day 43.

Subscribe to The Scoop New York

Subscribe to NYC ACC KILLS

Share

We take names. We step on toes. We bring receipts.

Subscribe to The Scoop New York

NYC ACC KILLS, published by TSNY, enumerates and memorializes adoptable cats and dogs who were nonetheless exterminated by Animal Care Centers of New York City.

Every Monday, NYC ACC KILLS subscribers receive The Weekly Carnage: bios, photos and videos of adoptable cats and dogs known to be recent ACC victims. Subscribers also get monthly memoriam posts that include ACC data summaries along with an updated compendium of animals whose lives were ended by ACC that month. Videos from current and prior months may also be found on The Scoop New York’s YouTube channel.

For more New York companion animal news, follow NYC ACC KILLS and The Scoop New York on social media.

About NYC ACC KILLS memoriam posts

Information in NYC ACC KILLS memoriam posts is drawn from reader tips and the NYC ACC “at-risk outcomes” list. As evidenced by its monthly and annual outcome data reports, ACC kills far more cats and dogs than appear on the at-risk list. ACC exterminates many healthy and adoptable cats and dogs without first offering them for adoption. Victims of this ACC practice are known among advocates as “silent kills.”

ACC will often spay or neuter a cat or dog only to exterminate her or him during recovery, or soon after. This practice is known as “spay-neuter-kill.”

Known silent kills and spay-neuter-kill victims are identified as such by NYC ACC KILLS.

Since cats are underrepresented on ACC’s “at-risk outcomes” list, they are also underrepresented here.

Due to gaps in NYC ACC record-keeping, memoriam posts are, sadly, bound to be incomplete. The Scoop New York continually adds names and images of NYC ACC victims to NYC ACC KILLS as we find them. Follow NYC ACC KILLS and The Scoop New York on social media for updates.

If you’re with a rescue, or you’re an NYC ACC volunteer, and would like to contribute images of exterminate cats and dogs — or tell us about your experience working with ACC — please contact TSNY.

A note about names: Many animals come to NYC ACC with unknown histories, including their names. In addition, ACC does not always use the name a cat or dog is accustomed to, even if the agency knows what it is. As a result, many animals exterminated by ACC are never properly identified. Unfortunately, for the most part NYC ACC KILLS has only the names provided by ACC, even if those names are incorrect or nonsensical. ACC-assigned names are presented here without quotation marks unless TSNY can confirm an animal was known by a different name when admitted to ACC.

ACC operates under putative supervision by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, which endorses the publicly-funded killing of healthy and adoptable cats and dogs at will and with impunity.

In memoriam

CATS

At publication time NYC ACC KILLS had no information on cats recently exterminated by ACC. Subscribe to receive updated monthly NYC ACC KILLS memoriam posts.

Subscribe now

DOGS

Nova [251237]: 2 years old; killed May 3.

During her medical exam, they wrote that Nova, a stray: “Leans in for petting, then lays down on [the] floor and falls asleep with belly rubs. Whines when examiner steps away and leans in again when examiner returns.” Video of Nova’s exam shows what an extraordinarily trusting pup she was. The medical staff in the room enthused over her, which makes it all the more horrifying that a vet at ACC killed Nova on day 30.

ACC spayed Nova just one week before they killed her, which makes you wonder, what did she do in that last week at ACC to make them suddenly decide to kill her? There are no notes to suggest anything happened. Another question: Did they perform a risky spay while she was in heat? They said she was in heat on arrival.

Ashiya [246413]: 2 years old; killed May 3.

Ashiya, formerly known as Ashes, lived with a dog and a cat, mostly outside. Her owner said she was fearful of new people. Despite being afraid of strangers, Ashiya was social with handlers at ACC and liked to play fetch/trade games with them.

A volunteer wrote, “This wonderful dog is such a big love: so smart and affectionate, great on a leash and a serious ball player in the backyard. One ball is good, but two are even better (three is an embarrassment of riches, and a bit too much). Ashiya loves to chase them, then ‘trap’ them under the bench and play: her wagging tail says it all.

“She walks beautifully on a leash, pulling only occasionally, is very curious, treat-motivated, responsive to her handler and a quick learner. Ashiya has a happy spirit, seeks your pets and affection in the yard, and is simply lovely. I am perplexed as to why she is still at the shelter after 50 days. Someone, grab this wonderful dog and take her home.”

One nip that didn’t break skin when Ashiya was startled by another dog seems to have landed her on the kill list. ACC had spayed Ashiya shortly after her arrival; they killed her on day 79.

Maple [250509]: 1 year old; killed May 4.

Loose and wiggly on intake, Maple, a stray found tied up at Rockaway Beach, sought affection. Staff wrote that he was “friendly, active and people-oriented.….often jumping up socially when excited but also has a soft side and enjoys leaning into touch.” Maple lived with his finder for two weeks and they said he was playful and friendly with strangers, kids, and other dogs.

ACC posted this “fun fact” about him: “Maple is a sweet, bouncy boy who brings a lot of joy and personality into a room. Once he’s in your life, things get a little sweeter and a lot more fun.”

Guess they forgot that fact. Maple was one of way too many spay-neuter-kill victims at ACC; three this week alone. ACC killed Maple on day 41.

Sugar Peas [251576]: 5 years old; killed May 6.

ACC put stray Sugar Peas on their kill list because “he has not acclimated well to the kennel environment.” In the month he was at ACC, he was extremely sick. On intake they noted he was fearful at first, but became friendly and outgoing. His symptoms started the day after he arrived with violent vomiting and bloody diarrhea. He stopped eating, became dehydrated and shocky, collapsed while trying to walk. The second week he had surgery to remove a corn cob from his intestine. Inexplicably, after such an invasive surgery they decided to increase the risk to him by neutering a very sick dog.

During his recovery, the third week, he continued to vomit and have diarrhea. By this point, Sugar Peas had lost a great deal of weight, with muscle loss. Not surprisingly, given his weakened condition, he caught CIRDC. What happened next would be farcical if the outcome wasn’t so tragic. Sugar Peas grabbed hold of a staff member’s shoe and wouldn’t let go. The staff member removed their shoe, but Sugar Peas wouldn’t drop it until he was given chicken as a trade. For this, ACC put him on their at-risk (of euthanasia) list, the day he was declared recovered from CIRDC. ACC killed Sugar Peas on day 29.

Asreil [250708]: 1 year old; killed May 7.

Upon arrival, ACC’s medical staff wrote that Asreil is a “big sweet boy who just doesn’t know how big he is!” He was an easygoing cooperative pup: easily leashed, did well on walks, checked in with handlers, and got along well with the other dogs there, offering soft greetings and play bows.

“It’s hard to miss Asreil,” a volunteer said. “He’s just a baby, a year old, and already 114 pounds! But it’s all goodwill, sweetness, and leaning in for pets and attention. He’s keeping a smile on his young face, trying to ‘give paw’ when asked, and getting lots of love from the volunteers.”

Another volunteer said Asreil was “such a friendly goof…had the sweetest big-puppy energy… a majestic, special boy.”

A big hunk of puppy love, Asreil got lots of love back from volunteers, but not from ACC, which killed him on day 61.

Roxie [113900]: 6 years old; killed May 7.

Roxie, a volunteer said, “brings good girl energy. She is social, silly, and loving. She is on the petite side, under 50 pounds and kind of a little nugget. She is a perfect middle aged lady at 6 years old.”

Roxie has been at ACC twice, first at ACC five years ago as a stray puppy. Roxie’s owner surrendered ACC because her separation anxiety resulted in excessive barking and housing complaints. At ACC, Roxie proved to be great with other dogs, offering play bows and participating in playgroup. She was also social and wiggly with handlers.

ACC killed her, not for anything that happened at “shelter.” ACC chief vet Robin Brennen had her killed day 30 because of “behavior concerns at her previous home,” a bite incident that her human didn’t blame her for.

Japchae [251822]: 5 years old; killed May 7.

Japchae, a stray, was very fearful at first, but grew more comfortable with time. He had a bad lingering case of CIRDC and conjunctivitis; ACC vet staff, led by Robin Brennen, wouldn’t give him meds for his eyes due to behavior. Don’t they have trained vets there?

Living in a pop up crate isn’t easy and ACC said Japchae wasn’t acclimating, though he was easily leashed, did well on walks, and didn’t react to other dogs. ACC killed Japchae on day 27.

Sir Wellington [251929]: 2 years old; killed May 7.

A volunteer writes that Sir Wellington, a stray, “seems to have drawn the short straw when it comes to kennel location, as this poor guy is stuck in a hallway pop-up crate near the front door. So, I try to check on him and take him out as soon as I get to the shelter.

“I love this guy. He is a happy, energetic walker and a highly professional sniffer. He loves reading all the ‘pee mails’ on the street and is very inclined to send quite a few of his own, lol. Sir Wellington is a gentle soul, very responsive to his handler and readily sits for treats.“

Given too many human-grade sedatives for stress from living in the pop-up crate they confined him to, ACC killed Sir Wellington on day 25.

The volunteer posted: “So deeply, deeply sorry, sweet boy. I know you loved your walks and sniffaris so much. I loved walking with you. RIP, Sir Wellington. Go explore all the parks and fragrant places. Read all the pee mails and take your time sending as many responses as you want. No more popup crates, ever.”

Stormy [249747]: 2 years old; killed May 8.

Stormy was found wandering the streets with two puppies believed to be hers; the puppies found homes.

“It is always the dogs who don’t let their unfortunate circumstances break their spirit who continue to amaze me,” said a volunteer. “Stormy is one of those dogs. The first time I meet her, shortly after she arrived at the care center, I’m instantly smitten. She has an infectious energy, is eager to connect — and she’s incredibly, astonishingly, ridiculously cute.

“Stormy’s true passion is quickly revealed when we bring her to the yard: toys, toys, and more toys. She flings plushies in the air, runs joyfully with them in tow, and deposits them in our lap as if to say ‘more playing, please.’ She personifies everything dog people love about dogs: pumped to be in the moment, to enjoy the present and the people around her, to gleefully explore her surroundings on walks.”

ACC killed Stormy on day 54.

Juan Pablo [252579]: 2 years old; killed May 8.

ACC killed Juan Pablo just nine days after he was found on the street. He was very scared at ACC but found a friend he could trust in one handler.

ACC took two photos, didn’t make a video, never really tried to find a home for him or do what they’re supposed to do: care.

Duckie [249655]: 2 years old; killed May 8.

Duckie was found wandering the streets with a broken splint on a leg that proved to have been badly broken and not healing well, causing lameness. At intake he was wiggly, jumping up for attention. He never stopped seeking attention, enjoying being close to whoever he could find, plopping onto laps, and resting his head on shoulders. On walks he would jump up, lean his paws against the handler’s body and lick their face.

Duckie liked spending time picking the toy he would take on his walk and he really loved to play. He didn’t have many opportunities to do so. On intake, he had been put on “cage rest,” which lasted the whole time he was there (eight weeks) and was heavily sedated to keep him from moving around too much.

All wiggly, wagging Duckie wanted was love and attention; his spirit was broken stuck sedated in a pop up crate. ACC killed Duckie for leash biting on day 56.

Jax [250700]: 2 years old; killed May 9.

When his owner passed out in the street, Jax stayed by his side guarding him and nipped the police officer who came to do a wellness check.

Jax was very afraid at ACC, had a hard time there but was learning to relax. The last notes they wrote about Jax said he was “loose bodied, play-bows and makes soft eye contact with the handler … easily leashed .. loose bodied on sidewalk … takes treats gently … allows petting of head, neck, and torso.” Still, ACC put him on the “at-risk” (of being exterminated by ACC) list.

On April 22, ACC notified the networkers that help place dogs on the at-risk list that Jax was reclaimed; they issued a photo of Jax with his owner. On May 7, networkers were surprised to learn that ACC had just issued a kill command for Jax, claiming that he had never been reclaimed.

For over two weeks, Jax was not listed at ACC, had no profile, no way of anyone knowing he was available for foster, no networkers or rescue organizations working to find Jax a home. ACC killed Jax two days later. What happened, where he was in the last two weeks of his life, we do not know.

Zeus [253023]: 7 years old; killed May 9.

Zeus was found on the streets on April 27 and killed 12 days later, a silent kill.

ACC never tried to find him a foster or adopter, never posted any information about him. All we have is his age and his photo — a noble face — from his lost and found record.

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We take names. We step on toes. We bring receipts.

Subscribe to The Scoop New York

NYC ACC KILLS, published by TSNY, enumerates and memorializes adoptable cats and dogs who were nonetheless exterminated by Animal Care Centers of New York City.

Every Monday, NYC ACC KILLS subscribers receive The Weekly Carnage: bios, photos and videos of adoptable cats and dogs known to be recent ACC victims. Subscribers also get monthly memoriam posts that include ACC data summaries along with an updated compendium of animals whose lives were ended by ACC that month. Videos from current and prior months may also be found on The Scoop New York’s YouTube channel.

For more New York companion animal news, follow NYC ACC KILLS and The Scoop New York on social media.

About NYC ACC KILLS memoriam posts

Information in NYC ACC KILLS memoriam posts is drawn from reader tips and the NYC ACC “at-risk outcomes” list. As evidenced by its monthly and annual outcome data reports, ACC kills far more cats and dogs than appear on the at-risk list. ACC exterminates many healthy and adoptable cats and dogs without first offering them for adoption. Victims of this ACC practice are known among advocates as “silent kills.”

ACC will often spay or neuter a cat or dog only to exterminate her or him during recovery, or soon after. This practice is known as “spay-neuter-kill.”

Known silent kills and spay-neuter-kill victims are identified as such by NYC ACC KILLS.

Since cats are underrepresented on ACC’s “at-risk outcomes” list, they are also underrepresented here.

Due to gaps in NYC ACC record-keeping, memoriam posts are, sadly, bound to be incomplete. The Scoop New York continually adds names and images of NYC ACC victims to NYC ACC KILLS as we find them. Follow NYC ACC KILLS and The Scoop New York on social media for updates.

If you’re with a rescue, or you’re an NYC ACC volunteer, and would like to contribute images of cats and dogs killed by ACC, please contact TSNY.

A note about names: Many animals come to NYC ACC with unknown histories, including their names. In addition, ACC does not always use the name a cat or dog is accustomed to, even if the agency knows what it is. As a result, many animals exterminated by ACC are never properly identified. Unfortunately, for the most part NYC ACC KILLS has only the names provided by ACC, even if those names are incorrect or nonsensical. ACC-assigned names are presented here without quotation marks unless TSNY can confirm an animal was known by a different name when admitted to ACC.

ACC operates under putative supervision by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, which endorses the publicly-funded killing of healthy and adoptable cats and dogs at will and with impunity.

In memoriam

CATS

At publication time NYC ACC KILLS had no information on cats recently exterminated by ACC. Subscribe to receive updated monthly NYC ACC KILLS memoriam posts.

Subscribe now

DOGS

Nutcracker [251768]: 2 years old; killed April 26. Petite Nutcracker, a stray, was afraid of the other dogs at ACC, dropping to the ground and laying down when she encountered them. She got into trouble from the start when, at intake, she reacted to a dog and redirected by nipping a staff member; no broken skin. As a result, ACC did not do a handling assessment and seemingly paid little attention to her. Their notes on her are sparse. She was wiggly and happy to see staff, but that wasn’t enough for them to give her a chance to find a home. ACC killed Nutcracker on day 15.

Blaze [251091]: 2 years old; killed April 27. Blaze came to ACC stray, emaciated with a wound and severely overgrown nails that affected his gait. They flagged him for neglect. In the first week there, Blaze continued to lose weight, was lethargic, and had diarrhea. On intake he had been nervous but leaned into pets and during his stay. He continued to seek affection.

“I can see every segment of Blaze’s spine when we meet,” said a volunteer. “He’s outfitted in a harness and I later learn it’s because he was collapsing when walked on a slip lead. His wayward ears move about as we take his photos, and a wound on his nose doesn’t take away from how cute he is. Blaze loves toys, or maybe it’s more accurate to say he finds comfort holding them. A note says that a toy was used to redirect him, and he carried it to the yard where he played and eventually suckled it.”

The volunteer noted Blaze was “stressed by the surrounding barking dogs. He’s also not felt good since he’s arrived, and probably for a long time before that too. Now he’s got kennel cough and his symptoms have worsened in spite of treatment.” Blaze’s CIRDC symptoms continued to worsen, lthough he gained some weight. ACC killed Blaze on day 26 for the all-too-familiar response to stress in a crowded shelter: leash biting.

Snowman [247903]: 11 months old; killed April 27. Still a long legged puppy, Snowman, a very friendly and outgoing stray, was adopted and returned days later. Snowman’s adopter said he was very active and very loving but did not like anyone running by him when out for a walk. Upon return, Snowman remained friendly, allowing all handling on intake. Enrolled in ACC’s Shelter Scholars program, Snowman was learning not to be overwhelmed by sudden movements and strangers. “Making real progress,” according to ACC. Still, ACC killed him on day 48.

Ranger [251305]: 7 years old; killed April 27. When Ranger’s human went to the hospital, they told the police they wanted their dog back.

A volunteer said, “When I met Ranger, I can tell he was once a loved companion. He walks nicely on the leash with me and prefers to carry a toy. We don’t have a lot of information on Ranger but I’m quite sure that if his former owner could, he would say he is a very good boy that deserves a loving and patient home.”

ACC admitted he was very friendly, seeking affection; when they cleaned his ears due an ear infection, he cried but didn’t escalate. Ranger remained loose and wiggly, wasn’t bothered by other dogs.

On day 23, ACC killed Ranger for leash biting.

Pops [252984]: 13 years old; killed April 28. Pops was abandoned at the 119th Precinct on April 26th and killed two days later. A silent kill.

ACC says he had a poor medical condition and prognosis. His records should show him as “humanely euthanized,” which is ACC’s standard designation for all kills. Instead it says “no longer available.”

Yet another error — ACC is notoriously sloppy at record-keeping — or trying to keep Pops’ extermination silent?

Pepper [238716]: 11 months old; killed April 28. Pepper had the misfortune to be at ACC twice in his short life, the first time as a stray 5-month-old puppy. In both cases, he was surrendered due to landlord issues.

“In spite [of] his multiple shelter stays,” a volunteer said, “he’s the sweetest guy around, noodly and wiggly, and always eager to get some love from volunteers…. He is avoidant with other dogs but once comfortable, he will solicit play and be affectionate. He’s described as a social, active and playful dog who tolerates baths and loves going for car rides.”

ACC killed Pepper day 77, for “high arousal” and being mouthy. In other words, like most of their young canine victims, ACC killed Pepper for being a puppy and behaving normally.

Tootsie [250168]: 2 years old; killed April 28. Tootsie’s human said she was very affectionate, sweet, and cuddly, friendly with all. Surrendered because Tootsie nipped their special needs adult child who was being agressive with her and had a history of being rough with her. Her human didn’t blame Tootsie — said she had never bitten or been aggressive with anyone before — but ACC did. Tootsie was killed day 33, not because of anything she did at the shelter but because of “her previous behavior at home.”

A volunteer says Tootsie was very shut down when they first met, “She barely even looks at us, standing still in fear and shock. But weeks later, Tootsie is a different girl. I can tell immediately how much she has blossomed before I even get her out of the crate. She is eager to join me on a walk — tail wagging and loose body language. She is not ready for cuddles yet, but in the yard, opens up and plays a bit. Her zoomies are epic.”

Loafy [252999]: 14 years old; killed April 29. Loafy was found on April 26 and killed three days later. She was never offered for foster or adoption — a silent kill, like so many other victims.

ACC said they “euthanized” Loafy due to medical issues and a bad prognosis. ACC staff lie like normal people breathe.

Charlotte [252211]: 10 months old; killed April 29. ACC killed puppy Charlotte — for leash biting — just 14 days after her owner surrendered her, leaving no notes.

The first few days seemed to go well enough. Charlotte was loose and wiggly, easily leashed. But after a few days at ACC, she was limping with all four paws inflamed and swollen. She didn’t live long enough to get the issue diagnosed.

Charlotte then caught what they all catch: CIRDC. ACC staff never made a video and took only two pictures. They didn’t try at all to place what should be an easy sell: a healthy puppy. Charlotte looks sad and scared in her photo, all her cute puppy eagerness deflated.

Tulip [250471]: 1 year old; killed May 1. “At under 40 pounds, Tulip is about as lap sized as you can get (in our opinion),” said one of the volunteers who loved her. “We dress Tulip up in pajamas, which is fitting for her baby personality. She is sweet, shy and social. She quickly makes her way to a lap, the best place for a pittie in PJs to be. Tulip came in underweight with overgrown nails, but her fur is so so soft [it’s] like she went to a luxury hairdresser.”

Tulip was found wandering in a park when she ran up to another dog and their owner for help. They probably thought they were doing the right thing.

Tulip was highly social with staff and volunteers at ACC, and did well in her dog/dog greet. She loved her toys a bit too much to share them and they were teaching her to drop and trade. She was getting the hang of it.

ACC killed Tulip on day 37 for mouthy behavior and impulse control, things like grabbing a staff’s pants leg for attention. In other words, ACC killed her for being a puppy.

Baby [250135]: 3 years old; killed May 1. Eight dogs were surrendered to ACC by an owner who had terminal cancer. First ACC killed Precious, then Uno, and this week, they killed Baby.

“When we meet Baby, he is a bit shy and aloof,” says a volunteer. “Still, he comes over for petting, wags his tail softly and enjoys all of the treats we have to offer. We see brief glimpses of playfulness when he runs after a ball and retrieves and brings back a stuffy toy. He has the sweetest face, though it’s covered in scars and scabs from a recent scuffle he had with one of his siblings.”

Very sweet, very scared, traumatized by the chaotic removal from his home, Baby tried to rally. He went from trembling and hiding behind handlers and scurrying back into the safety of his kennel when dogs started barking to tentatively beginning to play and appreciating gentle pets. Wasn’t good enough. ACC killed him on day 31.

Merida [253280]: Age unknown; killed during the week of April 26.

Merida was found on April 29. ACC killed her a few days later, never offering her for adoption. Another silent kill.

Lark [242110]: 6 years old; killed during the week of April 26. Lark, a stray, entered ACC on November 20. They say his little snorts earned him the nickname Piglet and he had a sweet personality.

Taken in by a foster, at some point recently he was returned to ACC. Instead of looking for a new foster or adopter, ACC killed him. A silent kill.

April [251102]: 9 years old; killed during the week of April 26. Volunteers said senior April was a professional snuggle bunny, loved meeting new people, and always had a plushie with her for comfort.

Like Lark, April was placed in foster and recently returned to ACC. Instead of finding a new foster or adopter, ACC killed her. Like Lark, a silent kill.

Subscribe to The Scoop New York

Subscribe to NYC ACC KILLS

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We take names. We step on toes. We bring receipts.

Subscribe to The Scoop New York

NYC ACC KILLS, published by TSNY, enumerates and memorializes adoptable cats and dogs who were nonetheless exterminated by Animal Care Centers of New York City.

Every Monday, NYC ACC KILLS subscribers receive The Weekly Carnage: bios, photos and videos of adoptable cats and dogs known to be recent ACC victims. Subscribers also get monthly memoriam posts that include ACC data summaries along with an updated compendium of animals whose lives were ended by ACC that month. Videos from current and prior months may also be found on The Scoop New York’s YouTube channel.

For more New York companion animal news, follow NYC ACC KILLS and The Scoop New York on social media.

About NYC ACC KILLS memoriam posts

Information in NYC ACC KILLS memoriam posts is drawn from reader tips and the NYC ACC “at-risk outcomes” list. As evidenced by its monthly and annual outcome data reports, ACC kills far more cats and dogs than appear on the at-risk list. ACC exterminates many healthy and adoptable cats and dogs without first offering them for adoption. Victims of this ACC practice are known among advocates as “silent kills.”

ACC will often spay or neuter a cat or dog only to exterminate her or him during recovery, or soon after. This practice is known as “spay-neuter-kill.”

Known silent kills and spay-neuter-kill victims are identified as such by NYC ACC KILLS.

Since cats are underrepresented on ACC’s “at-risk outcomes” list, they are also underrepresented here.

Due to gaps in NYC ACC record-keeping, memoriam posts are, sadly, bound to be incomplete. The Scoop New York continually adds names and images of NYC ACC victims to NYC ACC KILLS as we find them. Follow NYC ACC KILLS and The Scoop New York on social media for updates.

If you’re with a rescue, or you’re an NYC ACC volunteer, and would like to contribute images of cats and dogs killed by ACC, please contact TSNY.

A note about names: Many animals come to NYC ACC with unknown histories, including their names. In addition, ACC does not always use the name a cat or dog is accustomed to, even if the agency knows what it is. As a result, many animals exterminated by ACC are never properly identified. Unfortunately, for the most part NYC ACC KILLS has only the names provided by ACC, even if those names are incorrect or nonsensical. ACC-assigned names are presented here without quotation marks unless TSNY can confirm an animal was known by a different name when admitted to ACC.

ACC operates under putative supervision by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, which endorses the publicly-funded killing of healthy and adoptable cats and dogs at will and with impunity.

In memoriam

CATS

At publication time NYC ACC KILLS had no information on cats recently exterminated by ACC. Subscribe to receive updated monthly NYC ACC KILLS memoriam posts.

Subscribe now

DOGS

Storm [213396]: 3 years old; killed April 19. Storm was at ACC twice. The first time her owner surrendered her due to having a new baby and no time, then reclaimed her when she was put on the kill list. Her second time at ACC she was emaciated, weighing 30 pounds, having lost 1/4 of her body weight since her previous stay. ACC flagged the case for cruelty.

Her humans said Storm, who lived with two young kids, was friendly with all people — and protective. When one of her owners was bitten by another dog in the dog park, Storm responded by biting the dog. Storm had separation anxiety, which made being in a shelter especially difficult.

ACC said she was friendly with staff and frequently wiggly. A volunteer said: “Sweet, happy, social girl. She enjoyed all kinds of petting and even hopped up on the bench next to staff. She stayed calm and content most of the interaction, and when we encouraged her to play, she happily ran around without jumping on us or getting overly aroused. While she was running, she yelped once and appeared to have some discomfort in her back legs.“ As her video, made by volunteers, makes clear, Storm was “sweet, playful, and trying her best.” ACC killed Storm on day 25.

Kovu [249573]: 4 years old; killed April 19. Kovu’s family said he was playful and affectionate, lived happily with kids and another dog but when his primary caretaker died, he ended up at ACC in his own personal hell. A 98-pound gentle giant, he had always been afraid of loud noises and strangers. At ACC, unsure of whom to trust, he backed away when approached, looking for an exit. On walks, he mostly ignored passersby and other dogs — even the fake one they used to “test” him. He remained mostly nervous and tense at ACC, but he never caused any trouble. Still, ACC killed Kovu on day 15.

Duke [251048]: 2 years old; killed April 19. On Duke’s “at risk of euthanasia” memo, ACC cited the reason as “his previous behavior at home.” The owner cited a bite incident when Duke was barking at the front door. They said they grabbed Duke’s collar and pulled him back and Duke redirected by biting them on the thigh. He had never bitten before. The owner’s response was to tackle Duke to the ground.

The police who brought Duke to ACC said he was very friendly and wiggly. Staff said the same during intake: “Duke was very friendly and outgoing, he wagged his tail as well as his body and approached the door of his crate with a wiggly body. He was easily leashed, removed from crate, walked, scanned for MC, pet, and placed in kennel with no issues.”

And that’s pretty much all ACC had to say about Duke. There are no notes on Duke being defensive or aggressive at ACC; also no notes on taking Duke for walks or into the play yard — just a couple of cage-side visits where they threw treats into his kennel.

ACC killed Duke on day 19 due to an alleged bite to an owner who tackled their dog and had him carted away without leaving any information on him.

Vermilion [249974]: 2 years old; killed April 19. Vermilion, a stray, on intake was “loose and wiggly, seeking attention, allows petting and exuberantly jumps on handler.” His exuberance soon became a strike against him: ACC put Vermilion on the kill list for jumping and mouthing a potential adopter’s hand, leaving a minor scratch.

Young and energetic, he was eager to get out on walks, frequently choking from pulling too much. Apparently, ACC didn’t bother to switch him to a harness. ACC killed Vermilion on day 33.

Uno [250134]: 2 years old; killed April 19. Uno’s human had cancer and Uno was one of eight dogs who ended up at ACC.

Uno was shy, very fearful, and had multiple bite wounds from an unwitnessed altercation with one of the other dogs when they were all being removed from the home. He also had chronic otitis, pyoderma, an ear infection, and CIRDC. Trembling in his kennel, thrashing and biting his leash, ACC wrote they were “unable to rule out pain/sensitivity as contributor to his behavior,” and killed him day 19.

ACC killed Uno’s housemate Precious a few days before. Another of the eight dogs, Baby, is now on the kill list.

Truffle Butter [251644]: 2 years old; killed April 19. ACC took just one picture of Truffle Butter, who they killed 11 days after he entered ACC as a stray.

Truffle Butter was nervous and scared, but also young and healthy. We know he got one walk, where he passed by people and dogs without issue. The worst thing ACC could say was that he once “head [whipped] directly into handler’s leg with force.”

Like so many dogs at ACC, Truffle Butter was killed for being afraid.

Wolly [251435]: 1 year old; killed April 20. Wolly’s human had no home. Wolly, they said, was a shy and affectionate puppy. He arrived at ACC underweight with a wounded paw. He was extremely nervous, trembling, but allowed all handling during the medical exam. At ACC he was fearful, pancaking at times when being returned to his kennel.

Wolly quickly caught CIRDC at ACC, possibly pneumonia, due to ever-present unsanitary conditions there. ACC noted he wasn’t eating his medications and killed him shortly after, on day 15.

Milo [247018]: 2 years old: killed April 22. Milo’s human, a service member, was unexpectedly deployed overseas in February. Milo, they said, was shy but once he knew somebody would become playful. He didn’t like loud noises and was anxious when left alone. Milo, they said, “chases his tail like crazy. He’s very affectionate and loves to cuddle and lick your feet and ears. His favorite game is tug of war and he likes to do tricks for treats.”

Exposed to parvovirus at ACC, Milo spent his first 10 days in quarantine. ACC didn’t perform a Titer check, which could have prevented the need for quarantine, due to “behavior.” Milo was tense and fearful during intake.

“Since arriving,” a staff member wrote, “he’s shown both sides of himself: a sensitive, unsure dog in overwhelming situations, and a sweet, affectionate boy who bonds closely with the people he trusts.”

“When I met Milo,” said a volunteer, “he was very sweet, but clearly still unsure and overwhelmed by his surroundings. Even so, he showed how brave he is by engaging with a total stranger (me), sitting politely when asked, taking treats gently and leaning in for gentle pets.”

ACC killed Milo on day 37, his human still overseas unable to save him.

Zeus Atticus [228471]: 2 years old; killed April 23. Zeus Atticus was at ACC twice in less than a year — the first time as an underweight stray last June, the second time surrendered due to the owner’s allergies. He lived with a kid, a cat, and another dog. “A beautiful dog,” said his human, who said Zeus was a friendly, outgoing couch potato who loved bacon.

On intake Zeus was loose and wiggly, seeking attention and allowed all handling. He remained social and wiggly, but stressed by living in a crate in an overcrowded facility, he began leash biting, for which he was killed on day 23.

Ace [247493]: 2years old; killed April 23. Ace was a family dog, given up because of landlord issues. Active and playful, he lived with two kids. When asked her favorite thing about Ace, his human said, “He loves me, he protects me, and he cuddles.”

Ace was struggling in the shelter environment, says a volunteer. His stress showed as vocalizing in the kennel and biting the leash when taken out. “But outside of that stressful environment, Ace shows everyone who he really is….When I spent time with him, this meatball was pure joy and happiness! His wiggles were nonstop, he rolled over for belly rubs, and he was SO affectionate and friendly. He clearly craves human connection and affection, and it feels like shelter life has been especially hard on him. Ace is the kind of dog who will brighten your life and greet you with the happiest wiggle every time you walk through the door.”

He didn’t get that chance. ACC killed Ace, “the very happy excitable wiggle machine,” on day 47.

April Showers [251354]: 2 years old; killed April 25. April Showers came to ACC stray, friendly, wiggly and highly social. Evidently ACC didn’t pay much attention to her. Their records marked her as female, but the medical exam clearly shows April Showers to be a boy — a not-uncommon occurrence due to ACC’s sloppy and indifferent record-keeping. Did they mix up the records of two different dogs? Which is it? Girl or boy?

It clearly made no difference to “shelter” staff, who killed April Showers on day 21.

Subscribe to The Scoop New York

Subscribe to NYC ACC KILLS

Share

We take names. We step on toes. We bring receipts.

Subscribe to The Scoop New York

NYC ACC KILLS, published by TSNY, enumerates and memorializes adoptable cats and dogs who were nonetheless exterminated by Animal Care Centers of New York City.

Subscribers to NYC ACC KILLS receive monthly ACC data summaries, along with photos and videos of adoptable cats and dogs whose lives were ended by ACC that month. Videos from current and prior months may also be found on The Scoop New York’s YouTube channel.

For more New York companion animal news, follow NYC ACC KILLS and The Scoop New York on social media.

About NYC ACC KILLS memoriam posts

Information in NYC ACC KILLS memoriam posts is drawn from reader tips and the NYC ACC “at-risk outcomes” list. As evidenced by its monthly and annual outcome data reports, ACC kills far more cats and dogs than appear on the at-risk list. ACC exterminates many healthy and adoptable cats and dogs without first offering them for adoption. Victims of this ACC practice are known among advocates as “silent kills.”

ACC will often spay or neuter a cat or dog only to exterminate her or him during recovery, or soon after. This practice is known as “spay-neuter-kill.”

Known silent kills and spay-neuter-kill victims are identified as such by NYC ACC KILLS.

Since cats are underrepresented on ACC’s “at-risk outcomes” list, they are also underrepresented here.

Due to gaps in NYC ACC record-keeping, memoriam posts are, sadly, bound to be incomplete. The Scoop New York continually adds names and images of NYC ACC victims to NYC ACC KILLS as we find them. Follow NYC ACC KILLS and The Scoop New York on social media for updates.

If you’re with a rescue, or you’re an NYC ACC volunteer, and would like to contribute images of cats and dogs killed by ACC, please contact TSNY.

A note about names: Many animals come to NYC ACC with unknown histories, including their names. In addition, ACC does not always use the name a cat or dog is accustomed to, even if the agency knows what it is. As a result, many animals exterminated by ACC are never properly identified. Unfortunately, for the most part NYC ACC KILLS has only the names provided by ACC, even if those names are incorrect or nonsensical. ACC-assigned names are presented here without quotation marks unless TSNY can confirm an animal was known by a different name when admitted to ACC.

NYC ACC operates under putative supervision by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, which endorses killing healthy and adoptable cats and dogs at will and with impunity.

Though ACC is supported by taxpayers, the city conceals ACC personnel contact information from New Yorkers. As a public service, The Scoop New York makes ACC staff email addresses available to readers.

In February 2026, the city’s health commissioner was Alister Martin. Martin’s boss, the mayor, was Zohran Mamdani. Contact information for officials responsible for ACC oversight appears below.

NYC ACC February 2026 outcome data

CATS KILLED THIS MONTH: 117
DOGS KILLED THIS MONTH: 112

CATS KILLED THIS YEAR: 219
DOGS KILLED THIS YEAR: 268

Note that ACC omits from its “euthanasia” totals owner-surrendered animals who were exterminated without being offered for adoption. Placement rates reported by ACC do not include such cats and dogs, but they are counted among the dead by TSNY.

Animals whom ACC classifies as “died in care” or “lost in care” are named and counted by TSNY, among the cats and dogs ACC destroyed with intent.

In memoriam

CATS

Eminem Meowthers [247972]: 3 years old; killed February 28. Eminem Meowthers, a stray cat, who was noted to be calm and timid, was listed for medical reasons. ACC wrote: “He is a young sweet cat and recovering from a urinary obstruction. He needs monitoring and pain management in a veterinary clinic to recover.” Instead, ACC killed him on day 10.

DOGS

Candy [244352]: 1 year old; killed February 1. “Candy,” a volunteer said, “is a sensitive soul. In her kennel, she shrinks herself into a ball, trying to block out the noise of the overcrowded shelter.…Candy was found by the police tied up and alone. She was nervous and scared, but so clearly gentle and loving. At the shelter she warms up quickly, although she does need a patient person to give her the same kindness and sweetness she gives....In the yard, she realizes that the best spot for her is resting her head against us, smooshing it in for warmth and comfort.”

Candy was adopted and returned the next day after the adopter grabbed her by the collar to get her off the couch and she nipped. Upon return to ACC she became stressed, digging in her kennel to try to get out. ACC killed Candy three weeks later.

Rocky Boy [245656]: 2 years old; killed February 2. Rocky Boy came to ACC wiggly, tail wagging, and almost immediately caught CIRDC. ACC wrote: “Medically, Rocky Boy is receiving treatment for CIRDC but has not been eating his medication consistently. His behavior may preclude appropriate treatment if he does not improve medically.”

What behavior? His owner abandoned him, reporting a bite to the hand, but ACC didn’t have any details about the incident. They never gave him a handling assessment, and all but ignored him.

There were only two notes on Rocky Boy in ACC records. On the 21st, he was “standing at the front of his kennel with a soft body….One handler easily leashes him while the second offers him treats before swapping. Once double-leashed, he is moved to isolation for his CIRDC. He tolerates the leads being clipped and enters the new kennel without issue.” On the 27th, he’s “sitting in the back of his kennel, lip licking and wagging his tail. ACS reported that he doesn’t want to move over his transfer door. The handler helps by tossing treats through the transfer door, which Rocky Boy quickly follows.”

Did they give him the “appropriate treatment” for CIRDC? ACC killed Rocky Boy on day 20.

Bonnie [245388]: 4 years old; killed February 2. Highly social and wiggly on intake, Bonnie, a stray, was also very nervous. She did her best to cooperate, remained very social, and was happiest when outside — tossing her toys, bouncy and exuberant on walks. A big fan of treats, for which she would sit patiently, they said she would greet handlers with her “trademark full-body wiggle.” ACC killed Bonnie on day 23.

“Maxie Waxie” [240006]: 2 years old; killed February 4. Maxie Waxie — whose name was changed from Max by ACC — lived happily with his family, which included children and cats, until he was surrendered due to the landlord’s no pet policy. His human said they saved him from an abusive home when he was a puppy.

“An awesome dog with lots of energy,” his human said, affectionate and playful with all, including other dogs. Asked their favorite thing about him, they said, “He has a beautiful soul and his eyes say the most. I love how fast and strong he is. He’s very, very, playful.” Staff at ACC agreed: “He’s an energetic, social guy who enjoys treats, toys, and playful engagement with his handlers.” After saddling him with a nonsense name, which they do to amuse themselves, ACC killed Max on day 85.

Otter [245582]: 5 years old; killed February 4. Found in an abandoned building and extremely scared, Otter got braver every day.

One volunteer said, Otter “who is as cute as his name implies…went from lunging and growling at new people to being loose bodied when people approach his kennel, tapping his paws and pushing at the door to come out. And today, when we finally get to meet him, it’s hard to imagine the fractious Otter that first arrived because all we get is sweet, ham, mushball Otter who leans into us for petting and more treats.” Another said, “Otter is a total love.”

His video recorded his journey from scared boy to brave little man. Didn’t matter to ACC; they killed Otter on day 23.

Doeby [183902]: 4 years old; killed February 4. Everyone loved Doeby, who lost her family when they moved to NYCHA housing. Gentle, loving, and loyal, her family said. Volunteers agreed. “She listened well, loved treats, and soaked up attention. She was playful but also happily content,” one said.

Another said, “This incredibly affectionate, human-adoring pup, who once lived with other dogs in a home, has become increasingly stressed in the shelter environment and needs out. Doeby is a social butterfly and greets all her people on our way out of the shelter, and on our way back in.”

A great leash walker, Doeby loved exploring and also “loves to snuggle with you on the backyard bench or score a butt scratch or hug.” ACC killed Doeby on day 49.