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 and City Council Speaker Julie Menin, 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 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 ACC obfuscation and gaps in 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 an NYC ACC networker or volunteer and would like to contribute information on exterminated cats and dogs, or share your experience working with ACC, we want to hear from you. 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

Oreo Firecracker [259810]: 3 years old; killed August 9. During Oreo Firecracker’s medical exam, the team noted he was “generally friendly, loose, wiggly … Hyper. Curious. Jumping on people out of curiosity and poor manners.”

Even though they gave him the second best behavior rating, they immediately put Oreo on their “happy cocktail” of drugs Trazodone, Gabapentin, and Clonidine that substitutes for care. Oreo seemed to be doing well enough in the first week, was easily leashed and leaned in for pets. They increased the Trazodone, which didn’t help, possibly hurt. Trazodone, meant to calm a dog, is also known to have a paradoxical effect, increasing agitation.

Oreo Firecracker, ACC said had “warmed up to some handlers, engaging in play, soliciting attention and becoming loose-bodied once comfortable.” Still, they killed him on day 26.

Mosholu [261494]: 4 years old; killed August 10. Mosholu was left tied to a pole in the park for three days. He was emaciated, weighing just 40 pounds and flagged for cruelty.

He was very scared and immediately put on all three ACC go-to drugs: Trazodone, Gabapentin, and Clonidine.

Two days after he came to ACC, they wrote this note: “Mosholu is lying down at the front of his kennel with a loose body and forward ears. The handler offers him a treat and he gets up and takes it and begins wagging his tail high and slow. He keeps taking treats. The interaction is ended.”

That’s the only note in his record that shows them providing care. There are no notes that show him being taken out for walks or to the play yard.

ACC killed Mosholu on day nine.

Casper [261829]: 5 months old; killed August 10. Casper was surrendered to ACC and was killed four days later, a silent kill.

His owners said he had seizures, although ACC reported no signs of them, or neurological deficits. He was on a seizure medication that ACC continued.

Casper’s family also said he was an affectionate, very playful puppy. ACC noted that he was very friendly, loose, wiggly, and social with staff on intake.

Because Casper was a silent kill, there are no public records that state why they killed him.

Braxton [261074]: 4 years old; killed August 11. With his bloodshot eyes and subdued demeanor, Braxton seemed like a dog that knew he was doomed from the start.

Brought in by the police and removed from their car using a control pole, Braxton was terrified. Shut down from fear, he didn’t want to leave his kennel.

On intake, he had superficial abrasions on his paws and appeared to have been sprayed with a sticky substance, possibly white paint, on his face and head.

ACC says he was a stray but also that he was an owner surrender, with a description of him as an affectionate family dog who knew many commands including “cuddle.” It’s unclear whether they mistakenly merged two records or possibly tracked down his family.

ACC killed Braxton on day 14.

Andy [256654]: 7 years old; found dead August 12. On intake, Andy’s medical exam in June ACC found no health issues other than obesity. There were no further exams.

Andy, ACC wrote, was shy but accepted all petting and exchanged slow blinks with handlers.

Andy reportedly “died in care” about eight weeks after he was admitted. ACC watchers said “shelter” staff falsely claimed Andy had an adopter lined up — making him unavailable to adopters, fosters and rescues — and allowed him to “languish” until he died. Which if true would not be the worst thing ACC has done to a vulnerable cat or dog.

Chester [261919]: 13 years old; killed August 13. Chester was found on August 8 and killed five days later by ACC without being listed for foster or adoption, a silent kill.

Layluh Rayne [190264]: 4 years old; killed August 13. Layluh Rayne was at ACC twice, the first time in January 2024 when she was also given a kill command but was reclaimed by her family.

She returned in late July 2026, an owner surrender. She was very scared, trembling, her tail tucked even when more relaxed in the play yard. Layluh Rayne cooperated with leashing, and walked well, ignoring passersby and other dogs.

ACC killed Layluh Rayne on day 20.

Wemmy [262000]: 9 years old; killed August 13. Wemmy was found on August 9 and killed by ACC four days later without being listed for foster or adoption, a silent kill.

Jada, a.k.a. Glitter [244637]: 2 years old; killed August 14. Jada, a.k.a. Glitter, was at ACC three times in seven months. On her final visit, she was found stray. On her third stay, ACC spayed Jada a week after intake. We don’t know why she wasn’t spayed when reclaimed after her first two stays. The vet that spayed her found an enlarged left ovary. In the next days, she vomited and had diarrhea, and within a week was urinating clots of blood.

A volunteer wrote, “Poor Jada can not catch a break! She has been brought in multiple times over the last year by police, each time being reclaimed. However, this time, no one has come for her and now she is in immediate need of medical care due to a possible mass near her bladder’s neck and an enlarged heart. She only has a few more hours to be placed or she will be euthanized.

“We have been lucky enough to meet Jada all three times she’s been at QACC and each time she has charmed us to no end. There’s been a running theme of dressing her up, first in pjs, then in a cute summer dress and most recently, in a bikini that she looked absolutely ridiculous in, though adorable nonetheless. Throughout her various stays, her behavior has been consistent: sweet, social, loving and playful. Right now, Jada needs continued monitoring and additional diagnostics outside of the shelter so that she can recover. A $1000 stipend has been offered to a rescue that can pull her and provide the follow up vet care.”

ACC wrote, “given the findings and the possibility of an underlying bladder or reproductive tract neoplasia, we feel she should be moved out of the shelter as soon as possible for continued monitoring, additional diagnostics, and appropriate medical care.”

The 24-hour deadline for rescue passed and ACC killed Jada for undiagnosed medical issues. That’s not euthanasia.

Grey [262090]: 3 months old; found dead August 14. Grey was on ACC’s “at-risk” list due to medical concerns. They wrote, “Grey is a young kitten who was in a hoarding situation and found to have a rectal prolapse. It is a possibility that she will have prolapses in the future and will need ongoing medical care. Grey allowed all handling and was sweet during her exam.”

Grey’s medical exam took place on August 11 with no follow up notes. She was reportedly found dead in her cage three days later.

Kiara [260296]: 5 years old; killed August 16. Kiara briefly lived with the person who found her; they said she was timid but a friendly and affectionate couch potato. She was anxious at ACC, often whimpering but also seeking reassurance and pets.

ACC wrote on her “at-risk” memo (their excuse for killing a dog), “she continues to present as fearful and highly anxious during walks, she even attempted to run away from a handler.” A person scared her, so they killed her?

Robin Brennen’s vet team gave Kiara all the drugs in their arsenal, then killed her on day 22.

Papa [259551]: 3 years old; killed August 16. Papa was much loved by his family, who became homeless. They said he loved car rides and long days in the park.

A volunteer said, “When dogs like Papa come to the shelter, I pray they have owner notes from their surrender. It helps us see past the scared dog in a scary place, maybe acting out of sorts. It helps us see the dog they were just the day before they arrived, and the dog they may, hopefully, get to be again.

“At the shelter Papa is scared. He seems uncertain at times when we pet him, and most of all he’s reactive to dogs. From his notes I learn so much from his now homeless guardian that described their dog as intelligent and affectionate. First I learn that Papa came in with a sister, a German shepherd named Sasha who is now in an ACC foster home. I also learn that he was attacked by a dog in the past, which is why he reacts to new dogs, but his guardian found him easy to redirect … But right now Papa is struggling, surrounded by his trigger, without his guardian to reassure and redirect him.”

On walks, Papa, who was always easy to leash, ignored other dogs. It was inside the shelter, surrounded by dogs, where he became reactive. ACC noted that Papa was social and engaging with handlers. They killed Papa on day 34.

Senorita Roja [261747]: 3 years old; killed August 16. An emaciated and dehydrated 24-pound pup, Senorita Roja was killed 11 days after she was found abandoned at a train station.

She was scared and uncomfortable confined to her kennel. On one occasion when being leashed, she nipped at the handler’s thumb, which did not break skin. She was a sweet starved dog; they gave her extra feedings but not the time necessary to decompress.

Baloo [258714]: 2 years old; killed August 16. ACC wrote that Baloo, found stray, loved to snuggle and would stay close to her handler.

A volunteer said, “Her brown eyes are bright, and when her face relaxes and her ears come forward to listen to us telling her how adorable she is, I can’t suppress my smile. Like so many dogs Baloo was found stray after being tied up somewhere. That means we don’t have information about how she was in her previous home, but from our interactions and her notes the word wiggly appears often. At some point someone spent the time to teach her lots of cues, like sit and paw and down. And she’s been social meeting other dogs in playgroup.”

ACC killed Baloo on day 48.

Major [224778]: 5 years old; killed August 16. The first time Major came to ACC it was because his family lost their home to eviction. He was adopted April 2025 and returned to ACC in August of 2026 because his family couldn’t afford the treatments he needed to address a lame hind limb.

At 110 pounds, he was known as a silly gentle giant, a lover of toys.

Major was killed six days after he entered ACC without being offered for foster or adoption. Because it was a silent kill, we don’t know why Brennen and company took Major’s life.

Teaspoon [262265]: 10 years old; killed August 17. “Teaspoon is a lovely senior found under a Good Samaritan’s car,” a volunteer wrote. “She is a quiet soul in her kennel, laying peacefully in her main area and getting up and ready right away when someone is at her door. Such a gentle lady who enjoys petting, soft words and even lays nonchalantly at the entrance of her kennel, looking at all the volunteers and staff admiring her and likely hoping to make it on my lap.”

Another volunteer wrote, “Teaspoon is absolutely adorable. We became friends right away and it was not hard to do. She is a big girl with a whole lot of love to give.”

Teaspoon was found to be diabetic, a treatable disease, and was killed on day five, another silent kill.

Ragnar [258701]: 4 years old; killed August 17. A family dog, kicked out by the landlord, Ragnar lived with five adults, two kids, three dogs and a cat.

His family said he was very active and an affectionate cuddler, anxious when left alone. At ACC he was stressed at first, but soon grew more social, was leashed with ease, and leaned in for pets.

ACC killed Ragnar on day 33.

Double Dutch [261619]: 5 years old; killed August 17. Double Dutch, a stray, was killed for leash biting on day 10.

ACC admits he was social and loved engaging in pattern games, but we know very little about him as their notes focused almost exclusively on the fact that he was biting the leash.

Pantherella [261965]: 5 months old; killed August 19. Pantheralla, found stray, was a silent kill. We don’t know why ACC killed her or precisely how long she was there, although we believe she was at ACC for a few weeks.

Grapefruit [258537]: 3 years old; killed August 19. Grapefruit, a stray, arrived fearful but soon became a social pup who did well on walks, was responsive to handlers, and sought affection. She leaned in for more pets and rolled over for belly rubs.

Unnerved by all the dogs in pop-up crates lining the hallways, Grapefruit became dog-reactive. But when outside and on walks, she paid little mind to dogs. She was always easy to leash and eager to get outside, even when feeling poorly.

Grapefruit had CIRDC twice while there, due to ever-present unsanitary conditions. ACC killed her on day 51.

Queen Bee [260174]: 4 years old; killed August 20. Queen Bee was found stray and stayed with her finder for a month before being kicked out by the landlord with a no-pets policy. Her finder said she was a social, sweet, and affectionate couch potato who loved to cuddle. At ACC she was nervous at first, but soon settled in. On walks, she would frequently check in with her handler and followed verbal cues.

She caught CIRDC, which progressed to pneumonia, during her first week at ACC. In treatment they switched from injectable medications to pills more than once, despite noting that she was not eating the medication. They put her on the “at-risk” list for medical reasons, stating she needed placement in a quiet home to recover.

A few days before they killed her they released a new video (above); she was clearly slowing down due to illness, but still walking and enjoying being close to handlers.

ACC killed Queen Bee on day 41.

Everett [262149]: 5 years old; killed Aug 19 or 20. Everett, a stray, came to ACC on August 10. He got scared being leashed but did well on walks, was very social and playful with handlers. He loved to play fetch!

ACC killed Everett for “quality of life in care due to his inability to completely unhinge/open his jaw for normal mastication/eating.”

Killing Everett for quality of life “in care” is an indictment of the quality of ACC’s care. As his video above shows, he could open his mouth enough to carry a ball so surely he could eat puréed foods. Further diagnostics might offer other options, including surgery.

But that would have required common sense and compassion, both of which are vanishingly scarce at Zohran Mamdani’s kill pound. Instead, ACC put Everett to death — after reportedly turning away at least one rescue that wanted him.

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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 and City Council Speaker Julie Menin, 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 ACC obfuscation and gaps in 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 an NYC ACC networker or volunteer and would like to contribute information on exterminated cats and dogs, or share your experience working with ACC, we want to hear from you. 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.

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

In May 2026, the city’s health commissioner was Alister Martin. Martin’s boss, the mayor, was Zohran Mamdani. The City Council speaker was Julie Menin. Contact information for officials responsible for ACC oversight appears below.

NYC ACC May 2026 outcome data

CATS KILLED THIS MONTH: 152
CATS KILLED THIS YEAR: 582

DOGS KILLED THIS MONTH: 168
DOGS KILLED THIS YEAR: 757

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 is known to have destroyed with intent.

In memoriam

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.

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.

Nova [251237]: 2 years old; killed May 3. During her medical exam, ACC staff 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.”

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 she had to die? 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.

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 Dr. Robin Brennen’s ACC vet team killed Nova on day 30.

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 — one of three in the same week. 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 had 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 the “shelter.” The good Dr. Brennen had her exterminated on 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; Brennen’s vet staff wouldn’t give him meds for his eyes due to behavior. Don’t they have trained vets at ACC?

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 pop-up 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.

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 him

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.

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. Brennen’s 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 and 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.

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 giving 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 at always-unsanitary ACC, 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.

Miss Bee was found on May 22 and never listed for foster or adoption, another 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 Diesel 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.

ACC says he was 16, though 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 do 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.

ACC’s lost and found record did not include a photo.

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.”

A stray, Kwik 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 Todo’s lost and found record.

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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 and City Council Speaker Julie Menin, 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 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 ACC obfuscation and gaps in 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 an NYC ACC networker or volunteer and would like to contribute information on exterminated cats and dogs, or share your experience working with ACC, we want to hear from you. 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

Xhylo [255312]: 3 years old; killed August 3. Xhylo’s family could no longer afford to care for her.

A volunteer writes, “She ‘always remembers her way home’ is one of the saddest owner surrender notes I’ve read in a long time. Many of us have dogs who know which corner to turn and which door belongs to them — their home. Xhylo lost all that a few weeks ago, and at 3 years old her world has been turned upside down. In her original home she was fearful of strangers, and of course that’s continued at the shelter. She moves away from us at times, flinches at surprising noises, and watches everything around her quietly and alertly. Her chocolate brown eyes soften when she finds out about our peanut butter, and her former guardian describes her as a cuddle monster. While we don’t see her cuddle monster side she relaxes into some head scratches.“

Xhylo was timid and often trembling at ACC, but cooperative. She had a bad case of CIRDC, sick for four weeks.

The sad scared eyes of Xhylos and Cobra (also killed and memorialized below) should have saved them. It didn’t. Dr. Robin Brennen’s vet team killed Xhylo on day 72.

George [258644]: 7 years old; killed August 3. George’s human said he was a big cuddle bug who liked to give kisses. At ACC, he was wiggly and wagging, easily leashed, responsive to and walked next to handlers when outside.

Cleaning his ears due to an infection, his owner admits he pushed the tool too deep. George yelped and bit in response.

As volunteers who made his video said, he was sweet, smart, and well-mannered, proud to show off his tricks. Regardless, ACC exterminated George on day 34, using that bite as their excuse to kill a dog who had been both social and cooperative during his time there.

Callie [261011]: 5 years old; killed August 3. Callie was killed by ACC five days after she was found.

A silent kill, Callie was never listed for foster or adoption. There are no available public records after intake to ACC so we know nothing about her.

Dipity [251826]: 6 years old; killed August 5. Dipity, who was found in a park, was a “lovable, dorky hilarious potato,” who stole the hearts of volunteers.

“Dipity is one of those dogs who somehow makes everything he does look adorably hilarious,” said one volunteer. “His funny movements, facial expressions, the way he struts, and his reactions to everything always make me laugh. He is house-trained and a very good walker. Dipity goes about his business without reacting to dogs or people passing by. He is friendly, takes treats gently, and loves being petted. He is definitely not shy about leaning his whole body into you when he wants more affection.” Dipity’s video proves the point.

Another volunteer said Dipity “is a total gem, and the most gentle, loving pup you’ll ever meet. He’s a bit under the weather with a few health issues, including a hind leg limp, but that never seems to stop this wonderful pup from walking with you, hugging you or jumping up and cuddling with you on a backyard bench. Dipity may be the most affectionate, loving pup at the shelter. He is simply magnificent. Please take him home if you think you have enough love to match his in return.”

On borough breaks, day trips outside of ACC with volunteers, Dipity never failed to impress. One said, “Dipity is a very happy boy. He is also the perfect walking buddy. He has great leash manners, is interested and friendly with other dogs without being aggressive, and has a huge smile and a tail that never stops wagging — especially when being offered treats! We walked for hours through the park and he never pulled, never barked, and never chased after any animals. He was so happy to meet other people and soaked up all attention and skritches. After hours of walking, we sat on a bench where he calmly fell asleep for a long time, just happy to have company outside in the shade. He’s a very sweet boy.”

Another borough break volunteer wrote that they “went to the Barking Dog around lunchtime … He got plenty of compliments there for his good behavior and relaxed nature. He loved getting scratches and used any surface (usually me) as a scratching post. Dipity is an amazing, lovable dog who will easily adapt to whatever environment he is in. A GEM!!!”

Because Dipity was at one time listed at risk of “euthanasia” due to his medical condition, we have notes from his medical exams. The amazing Dipity was sick from the start of his stay at ACC. In addition to his limp, he had hematuria — bloody urine — possibly due to an enlarged prostate. After being neutered, which shrinks the prostate, he continued to piss bloody urine for two-plus months. When he was removed from ACC’s at risk list on June 23, public access to his medical notes ended. It’s unclear whether the issue was ever resolved. At one point, they suspected he may have had a tumor.

After many months at ACC, Dipity is reported to have bit someone on July 22 and was placed on hold by for 10 days as required by law. When taken off hold, ACC decided not to list him again for adoption or foster. Instead, they silent-killed Dipity, remembered as “the most affectionate, loving pup at the shelter,” on day 117.

Handyman [260293]: 4 years old; killed August 5. Handyman was found stray. ACC wrote, “Upon intake: Handyman was wonderful! Very polite, social and friendly. He would approach softly for pets and kisses and took treats gently. He laid on his back for belly rubs while waiting in the lobby and knows ‘sit.’ He jumped up for hugs when encouraged. He was easily leashed and allowed all handling.”

Two days later he was made TDO (“transfer door only”) due to incessantly jumping up on handlers, which means he was no longer let out of his kennel for walks, play, or potty breaks. The picture above was the only one they took, an indication of how hard they tried to find him a home.

After five days of being confined to his kennel, they made one note on him: “Handyman is at the back of the kennel sleeping soundly. Handler calls towards him and he remains sleeping in the kennel. Treats are tossed and he opens his eyes. Handyman remains lying down in kennel. A treat is tossed closer to him and he eats the treat. He stares at the handler with a neutral body. The interaction is then ended.”

“The interaction is then ended” may be one of the saddest notes at ACC for many dogs. ACC killed Handyman on day 17 after confining him to his kennel for two weeks.

From The Scoop New York

Grumble [260851]: 3 years old; killed August 5. First, how do you expect to get a dog fostered or adopted when you give them the name “Grumble”?

Grumble, a stray, arrived cooperative, soliciting pets. ACC said he was conflicted. He solicited attention on occasion and also retreated from it. During his behavior assessment they noted he approached several handlers nudging their hand to solicit petting before walking away. He didn’t like his hind end being touched and soon became very scared. ACC all but ignored him and killed the beautiful dog they thoughtlessly saddled with a contemptuous name on day 10.

Maximo [260800]: 3 years old; killed August 5. There is no photo of him. According to our notes, his name was Maximo and he was seized from a home on July 27.

Maximo’s lost and found record didn’t include a photo. Then his lost and found record was removed when ACC killed him nine days later.

Maximo was never listed for foster or adoption, a silent kill.

Flash [258526]: 2 years old; killed August 7. A volunteer writes, “This sweet face, those big bunny ears, and the soft eyes all belong to Flash. He arrived a few weeks ago with a wound on his face and no other information after being dropped off at a police precinct. He’s been timid, shrinking to the back of his kennel with a tucked tail in his early days. But by all accounts he’s warmed well to friends at the shelter, interacting with a wiggly and loose body.”

When Flash arrived, the wound on his face was an inch long, scabbed over and starting to scar. Although scared and trembling at first, he soon became braver. Easily leashed, he did well on walks, was wiggly and solicited pets.

Sixteen days after his arrival a disturbing incident was noted by ACC, “Flash is observed to be tethered to the fence by one ACS handler and has another leash on that is being held by another ACS handler. When the handler initially saw this from across two streets, Flash was still struggling, pulling against the second rope. By the time the handler arrived, he was laying on the ground with blood dripping down his nose and out of his mouth. The ACS handler reported that Flash had been sniffing their leg and knee and that he lunged at them. The handler will approach from the side and baby talk him while loosening up the ropes. He is unresponsive although his eyes are open and he will periodically wag his tail lightly against the ground as the handler speaks to him. A hook is used to loosen up the leashes as one of the leashes is stuck underneath his leg and they are both tight. Once they are loosened he will begin to get up and is coaxed forward. He will walk a few steps and then stops so the handler uses mild leash pressure to guide him forward. He will continue to walk all the way to his kennel, occasionally turning around with a loose and wiggly frame towards the handler. The leash rings are clipped and he is secured safely in kennel.”

In other words, it appears ACC staffers bound a 40-pound dog in ropes that were so tight, so tangled, or both, that he was left prostrate on the ground unable to move and bleeding from his nose and mouth.

And yet, there are no medical records to indicate Flash was examined after this incident. It was after this that ACC began to make notes about him biting the leash (which is really a rope).

Despite the abuse he suffered at the hands of ACC, Flash remained wiggly and social. It didn’t matter. ACC killed Flash on day 40.

Cobra [259421]: 5 years old; killed August 8. Cobra, a very thin stray pup, was timid and fearful. He was never defensive/aggressive, but according to ACC he increasingly became mouthy when stuck in his kennel, biting at hands. Their daily notes back up their claim of biting on just one occasion when he nipped a finger (no broken skin) while being leashed.

Cobra did well on walks, ignoring dogs and passersby, sat for treats. Over time, as he grew more comfortable, he began leaning in for pets.

Cobra was learning to relax, but ACC didn’t give a shy dog the time necessary to feel truly safe. They killed Cobra on day 29.

Bella Dancerella [261568]: 9 years old; killed August 8. Bella Dancerella’s listing said she had medical issues, but didn’t specify what they were.

ACC killed her about five to six days after arrival — a silent kill — without specifying what her medical issues were or why they killed her.

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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 and City Council Speaker Julie Menin, 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 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 ACC obfuscation and gaps in 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 an NYC ACC networker or volunteer and would like to contribute information on exterminated cats and dogs, or share your experience working with ACC, we want to hear from you. 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

Hoagie and Kuki [260548 and 260549]: 3 months old; killed July 26. Five underweight and dehydrated 3-month-old puppies were found on July 23.

ACC killed Hoagie (a boy) and Kuki (a girl), who they say had parvovirus, on the 26th. Because they were silent kills, there are no public records to document their condition.

Hoagie and Kuki’s three litter mates were pulled from ACC by a rescue organization to get medical treatment they likely wouldn’t have received at ACC.

Fly Guy [259382]: age unknown; killed July 28. Fly Guy, a German shepherd, came to ACC starving, emaciated, with patches of missing fur. Listed as a “junior” in lost and found records, he was probably a puppy.

ACC never listed him for foster or adoption. They killed Fly Guy 18 days after arrival. Since he was a silent kill, we know nothing about him.

Rocket [260065]: 3 years old; killed July 29. Rocket, an underweight stray, allowed all handling on intake. He did well on walks, ignoring other dogs and people, with a loose body and an occasionally wagging tail.

What he really didn’t want to do was go back in his kennel. So ACC decided to just keep him there; they made him TDO [transfer door only] on the 23rd and didn’t let him out of his kennel at all. He was their prisoner, which must have been torture for a German shepherd.

ACC killed Rocket on day 13.

Timba [259226]: 4 years old; killed July 29. Timba’s family left him at ACC after four years of being their pup because he was too big for their home. They said he was a very loyal dog.

Timba shut down at ACC; trembling every time handlers opened the door to his kennel. He didn’t want to be leashed but with time, he got braver and cooperated with leashing.

Regardless, ACC killed him day 22.

Jovan [256859]: 3 years old; killed July 29. Jovan arrived at ACC fearful, but they said he made steady progress, was gaining confidence, warmed up fairly quickly, and showed that he wanted to connect with the people around him.

It was reported that he was put on DOH (Department of Health) hold, presumably for a nip or bite at the shelter.

When Jovan came off hold, ACC did not re-list him for foster or adoption. He was killed on day 51, a silent kill.

Bricks [254382]: 1 year old; killed July 30. Bricks’ human, who was ill and couldn’t care for him any more, said he was a very lovable dog.

On intake, Bricks was wiggly, would socially jump on staff and allowed all handling. A volunteer who walked Bricks often wrote, “Quiet 1 yr old Bricks waits patiently for you to notice him and take him out. Bricks has the friendliest, most lovable face and huggable body. His smile feels like a Disney movie ... Bricks is so easy to leash and walk, is very responsive to his handler, and is a big sniffer. What a love!”

On another occasion they wrote, “What an absolutely delightful pup. So easy to leash and exit the kennel. Bricks actually play-bowed in the elevator, lay down and asked me for belly rubs on our way down to the first floor. So hilarious and cute! Bricks is a happy guy and so lovely to walk. He loves treats and your kind words and affection. What a doll of a pup.“

When Bricks began occasionally biting the leash on return to his kennel and barking once inside it, ACC loaded this “doll of a pup” with sedatives and killed him on day 57.

Hugh Morris [257369]: 1 year old; killed July 30. Hugh Morris, ACC wrote after his medical exam, “Was happy and confident when he got in the room but the muzzle really took the wind out of his sails. For such a big guy, he was pretty soft.”

Pretty much all they did was take the wind out of his sails. They killed his sister, Abigail. He caught pneumonia.

Easily leashed, walked well, checked in with handlers and ignored other dogs — Hugh Morris went from happy and wiggly to howling and crying. He became more dog-reactive over time, and for this they killed him on day 45.

A networker who helps find fosters and adopters wrote that he was ignored by ACC for 30 days before he received new photos. There was one photo, a shitty one, on his profile.

A word from The Scoop New York

From the premiere episode of the NYC DOH ACC Puppy/Kitten Death Row Show: TSNY Editor Brad Aaron explains why “animal lover” electeds like the New York City Council “animal welfare” chair look the other way as NYC ACC abuses and kills.

Subscribe to The Scoop New York

Subscribe to The Scoop New York to catch our next full installment live or at your leisure via The Weekly Poop or the Substack app.

Toose [254268]: 3 years old; killed July 30. Toose, his family said, takes time to warm up but once he does he is very affectionate. That proved true at ACC.

“On our first walks,” a volunteer said, “he kept his distance, tail tucked, and his eyes full of uncertainty. Then one day, out of nowhere, he burst out into zoomies right there on the street, then casually resumed our stroll down the block as if nothing had happened! Since then, he’s continued to come out of his shell, growing more relaxed on walks and greeting me with a waggy tail when I open his crate door.

“Another volunteer recently had an even bigger breakthrough in the yard. After plenty of polite aloofness, Toose suddenly lit up when they tossed him a toy, galloping after it, and stopping to happily play along the way back … Shelter life is understandably overwhelming for him but we’ve already seen glimpses of his sweet and playful personality. With time and patience, I think his new family will find exactly what his previous owner described: a very affectionate dog who enjoys lounging around wherever his people are.”

Toose was one of many dogs living in a too-small pop up crate. Medically, Toose had a difficult time at ACC. In addition to lingering CIRDC he went into anaphylactic shock with hives and dermatitis in June. He also had an ear injury they attributed to “self-trauma” due to severe inflammation in his ear canal. He was in pain.

ACC killed Toose on day 59.

Buster [260111]: 7 years old; killed July 30. Tied up and abandoned then catch-poled to haul her in to ACC, Buster was a very scared stray girl. The name was not the last of the indignities.

They put her on the maximum dose of Trazodone. They didn’t titrate the dosage over time as recommended, and they didn’t consider whether the medication was having a paradoxical effect, increasing her agitation instead of calming her. Then they added a near maximum dosage of Clonidine.

That’s what substitutes for care at ACC. That and throwing treats into Buster’s kennel.

They took one photo only and killed Buster on day 13.

Rocki [264084]: 6 years old; killed July 31. Rocki, an eight-pound male cat, was never listed on the “at-risk” list for placement.

A silent kill, we know nothing about him.

Rambo [260297]: 1 year; killed July 31. Rambo was severely dehydrated, with possible kidney damage.

ACC gave a 24-hour deadline for a rescue organization to save him, then killed Rambo on day three, when the three-day hold for stray pets was complete.

Cam Cam [258790]: 3 years old; killed July 31. Cam Cam, a stray, came to ACC with heatstroke.

A volunteer wrote, “We met Cam Cam shortly after his arrival, but in three short weeks he’s already at risk. Watching him in our videos, it’s no shock he had a hard time acclimating. The near constant barking in the kennels below the yards echo up, distracting him from what I imagine would normally be fun for him. He’s interested in the toys we offer, even chasing some and bringing them back. But then a car blares their horn, or the cacophony of dogs barking pull him out of focus, and worry him. I get it — this is not an easy place to thrive. So we admire the smudge over his eye, and smile when he hops onto a lap for a better vantage point and a little comfort, but mostly ache for how this poor guy has ended up in this place.”

Cam Cam was scared at ACC but cooperative. Didn’t matter. The good Dr. Brennen had him exterminated on day 30.

Nino Bell [259181]: 1 year old; killed July 31. Nino Bell saw his human leave in a stretcher and never return.

He was a confused, scared puppy, killed by ACC for jumping too much and occasionally head whipping. Never mind that he was also wiggly, easily leashed, good on walks, and cooperative.

ACC all but ignored Nino Bell and killed him on day 25.

Maya [257189]: 2 years old; killed July 31. An exuberant stray, Maya, who was reactive to other dogs at the shelter, was quickly put on all three of Dr. Brennen’s favorite human-grade sedatives to quiet her.

Reading their notes on Maya, it’s reasonable to question whether that helped or instead had the opposite effect, agitating her more.

It got worse for Maya. Soon after being put on meds, she was spayed when had she had CIRDC, a risky procedure.

A beautiful, wiggly, and very social pup, Maya was killed on day 49.

Pops [260824]: age unknown; killed August 1. ACC killed Pops on day five, a silent kill.

Pops’ age and sex was listed as unknown in their lost and found record. They may have been a boy; they may have been old, as the name implies.

We don’t know. New Yorkers who pay ACC staff are not meant to know or notice the cats and dogs they kill behind locked doors.

Too bad for ACC: We do.

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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 and City Council Speaker Julie Menin, 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 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 ACC obfuscation and gaps in 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 an NYC ACC networker or volunteer and would like to contribute information on exterminated cats and dogs, or share your experience working with ACC, we want to hear from you. 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

Merlot [252448]: 2 years old; killed July 20. Merlot, a stray, was friendly and allowed all handling on intake to ACC. “We meet Merlot after a long day of taking pictures and videos and he’s exactly what we needed to end the day on,” a volunteer said. “He poses and charms and does all the things to quickly get us enamored with him. He is nothing like his sophisticated name implies and way more puppy that anything. He plays with a toy that matches his pink nose and brown spots perfectly, army crawls around the yard and props in our lap for cuddles. We are smitten and we predict that he will be adopted quickly and he is. What we didn’t foresee however, was that he’d be returned not too long later and in search of a home once again.”

Merlot’s adopter of two weeks said that he was sweet and affectionate, but he had separation anxiety causing him to have accidents, and guarded his toys.

Still very social with staff on his return to ACC, Merlot was enrolled in their Shelter Scholar program, making progress on learning to give up his toys politely and leave a treat untouched.

ACC said he enjoyed training and learned new cues readily. What Merlot didn’t want to do was to go back into his kennel, “often pancaking and requiring multiple handlers, treat trails, or coaxing to complete kennel re-entry.” ACC killed Merlot on day 67.

Hershey [254169]: 1 year old; killed July 20. Hershey lived happily with four kids, a dog, and a cat, surrendered to ACC because his owner was ill. They said Hershey liked to hug and cuddle in bed, was very social, although he could be shy with strangers.

On intake, Hershey was friendly, allowed all handling. Staff wrote that he had “a big personality and an even bigger heart.”

Still a high energy puppy, Hershey would jump with enthusiasm and needed to work on his manners, they said. Over time, he became stressed and dog-reactive, pulling toward other dogs in the kennel.

For this, Dr. Robin “Solely Interested in Life-Saving” Brennen had Hershey put to death on day 52.

Mister Cat [259134]: 3 years old; killed July 21. Mister Cat, described as an “an independent and bold” cat by his owner, was stressed and dehydrated at ACC, an obese cat with a very poor appetite.

ACC said his “behavior [was] not amenable to fluid administration,” which implies he was denied medical care. despite the supposed presence of supposed veterinarians.

They also didn’t put him on the “at-risk” list to find a foster or adopter. Instead ACC killed Mister Cat on day 13, a silent kill.

Ocelot [256174]: 2 years old; killed July 23. Ocelet, an underweight stray, was timid. A volunteer wrote, “Ocelots in the wild tend to be low-key and shy, and our boy Ocelot has been that way since arriving at the Care Center. Unfamiliar surroundings, lots of new noises and smells — we understand his hesitation. But once this handsome guy has had a little warm-up time, his sweet vibe comes through, and his desire to make friends with humans emerges. Ocelot did nicely on his behavior exam, sniffing treats and leaning in for pettings.“

During his stay at ACC, Ocelet developed a severe UTI, for which they killed him on day 51.

Weezer [259193]: 3 years old; killed July 23. Weezer, an underweight stray, was at ACC just 16 days. On intake, he had a loose body and a wagging tail, but soon became fearful, attempting to flee when being removed from his kennel.

They took one photo of him, in which the beautiful boy looked like he knew he had no chance. Somehow, he still had hope. He grew more comfortable being leashed and on walks he would look back, checking in with the handler with soft eyes and solicit pets. He tried his best and they didn’t give him time.

On the 18th, Weezer caught CIRDC. He was likely still sick when they killed him.

Dizzy [259392]: 10 weeks old; killed July 24. ACC killed Dizzy after 15 days in care. As the video shows, she appears to be a healthy adoptable kitten.

There is no information available about her or how she came to be at ACC and to be killed there. The Scoop New York asked ACC — including Robin Brennen directly — and its supervisors at NYC DOH why they put to death a seemingly healthy 10-week old kitten. But ACC and DOH think New Yorkers have no business knowing what the agencies do with their tax dollars.

Hope [257535]: estimated 8 weeks old; killed late July. Hope was found on June 18 at age 4 weeks and almost immediately went into foster.

We don’t know precisely when he returned to ACC or why ACC killed him — a silent kill — sometime in late July.

Koka Kola [256913]: 1 year old; killed July 25. Koka Kola was given a kill command by ACC, but found a foster and rescue organization to save him.

He never got his freedom ride to a new home. Koka Kola was reportedly found dead in his pop-up crate; it’s believed he aspirated on vomit. He had caught CIRDC 11 days earlier, but it’s not known if he was still sick.

Koka Kola was also on three heavy human-grade sedatives — ACC flippantly calls it the “happy cocktail” — which are known to cause gastric distress and vomiting. Bulldogs need careful monitoring due to their sensitive stomachs and respiratory issues. Unfortunately for its victims, ACC doesn’t do “careful.”

The Scoop New York asked Robin Brennen and the ACC and DOH press offices if Koka Kola did indeed choke to death, what drugs and dosages were administered, and how long he was left unattended. They didn’t answer.

Before apparent “care center” negligence killed him, Koka Kola was a high energy puppy with a big personality who had lived happily with kids and was friendly and social at ACC from the start. He had been at ACC 16 days.

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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 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 and City Council Speaker Julie Menin, 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 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 ACC obfuscation and gaps in 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 an NYC ACC networker or volunteer and would like to contribute information on exterminated cats and dogs, or share your experience working with ACC, we want to hear from you. 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

Hockey [245633]: 2 years old; killed July 13. Hockey was beloved by volunteers. “Besotted,” said one.

Hockey had been at ACC twice this year. In March, was given a kill command and the owners who had surrendered him reclaimed him. At the end of April he was back again, this time found stray. When Hockey was once again labeled at risk of euthanasia, a volunteer wrote, “I can’t believe it! He is such a gentle soul … I do not recognize the dog described in his profile.”

This volunteer, who walked Hockey often, writes on different occasions: “This guy is so gentle, so affectionate … a pup who loves human contact and physical touch: gazing up adoringly at you on your walks, proactively sitting for treats, soliciting pets, leaning into you, sitting on your feet. Seeing his big smile can make your day.” They wrote that on walks, “He kept close, constantly looking up for reassurance, a pet or a treat. He leans into you, whether waiting for the light to change or just hanging out on a bench, often choosing to sit on your feet.”

He also loved treats, “Which he will sit for and look up at you adoringly while you produce one. Hockey takes treats very gently. He also adores squeaky toys, which are almost as fabulous as treats.”

“This boy is such a big love, with the best smile in the business,” she wrote on another occasion. “You just want to hug him all the time.”

ACC killed Hockey on day 80. A networker who tries to help dogs find homes, wrote, “The 1st time I posted him was 1/20/26. I always think of his little girl, who read to him & shared her bed. I imagine loved him as I did my dog as a child … Tonight when you gaze up [at] the stars, Hockey will be the brightest one.”

His besotted volunteer, who gave Hockey so much love in the months he was at ACC, wrote: “He needed a hero today. So upsetting. You deserved better. So much better. RIP sweet boy.” She pinned a photo of Hockey to her profile.

Dior [254942]: 2 years old; killed July 13. Dior’s family was deported. She was very scared at first, often trembling, but soon grew more confident.

“Dior is just a joy,” a volunteer said. “She is large, jowly, and so very sweet. We quickly learn Dior knows all the tricks — sit, down, paw, and even a crowd favorite, roll over! She easily flops onto her back, waiting for her congratulatory belly rubs. She tips the scale at 85 pounds, but is demure and gentle enough to pass for less … When we meet her, she has had some time to acclimate to her new surroundings and seems very brave, soft, and social. She plays with toys, snuggles, and snacks.”

Once she got over her initial fear, Dior ticked every box for model behavior — was easily leashed, did well on walks, was social with handlers, and enjoyed enrichment games.

ACC’s “at-risk” memo — wherein Dr. Robin Brennen and company make their sorry attempts to explain away elective killings — lists behaviors noted during the first week Dior was there.

That the memo doesn’t match notes they took in subsequent weeks is of no consequence. ACC killed Dior on day 55. Because it was easier than doing their jobs, and because no city politician was about to stop them.

Milo [257365]: 3 years old; killed July 13. Milo spent most of his time in a basement with an owner who yelled at him and when he responded by nipping, dumped him at ACC with a fractured tooth.

He was scared; the photo of Milo’s face says it all.

A shy pup, he wiggled and wagged at ACC. Took treats gently. Wasn’t good enough.

ACC killed Milo on day 29.

Cottage [257099]: 2 years old; killed July 15. Cottage, a stray, came to ACC wiggling, seeking affection.

A volunteer said, “Cottage is a curious girl, and I love that about her. At first she had a hard time focusing — from the play yards she can see the bustle of the street and hear all the noises, as well as the barking dogs in kennels just beneath us. So we give her a little time to acclimate and wonder if this big girl may like to cool off in the pool. As I fill it she comes to sniff at the hose, inspecting something that may be new to her. We guide her into the pool and from then on she stays in it, pawing at balls and otherwise just taking in the world. I love how it slows her down and relaxes her and I hope she gets more experiences like this forever.”

She didn’t. ACC killed Cottage on day 34

ACC victim-blamed in her “at risk of euthanasia” memo: “Cottage has not adjusted well in the care center environment and is noted to show leash biting behavior and become mouthy towards handlers. Pants when going back into to kennel.” That’s all it takes to warrant a death sentence at ACC.

Frappe [258760], age unknown; killed July 15. Frappe, a dog of unknown age, was found on July 2. He was never listed for foster or adoption and killed on day 14, a silent kill.

When asked, ACC said they decided not to place him because of the severity of his dog reactivity. Look at his photo, thin and wounded. Possibly ill. How bad could his dog reactivity be?

Hanifa [255745]: 10 years old; killed July 16. Hanifa arrived at ACC after his human passed away.

A volunteer wrote that Hanifa “was shy, tentative in his moves, a calm and quiet soul with saucer eyes [that] I totally fell in love with. Never heard a hiss, never saw a swat with this kitty. He is VERY endearing. One of the vets absolutely loves him too.” And later: “Hanifa is not shy anymore. He does sit in his cubby but comes forward, purrs, leans into pets and likes to be kissed. He is sooo cute ... even with his serious face.“

ACC killed Hanifa without warning on day 49, a silent kill.

Hercules [258836]: 2 years old; killed July 16. Hercules was found on July 2 and killed day 15. ACC never listed him for foster or adoption, a silent kill.

When asked, ACC said he was approved for no placement because of his bite history. What history? He was a stray.

Seal [256101]: 1 year old; killed July 16. Seal arrived at ACC as a stray, was social and cooperative.

A staff member wrote about their experience with Seal: “Seal was easily carried in and out of his upper kennel. In the backyard, he quickly perked up when he saw the tennis balls. He enjoyed chasing them, tossing them around, and bringing them back to me. Seal sits for treats and takes them gently. He jumped up on me a few times when excited to show me the ball he brought back, but it was friendly and brief. He can be a bit mouthy when excited, but given his puppy age, it felt manageable and redirectable. Overall, Seal was a very happy, wiggly, playful boy.”

Nervous around the other dogs there and still a puppy, learning his manners, ACC killed Seal on day 45.

Kowalski the Smartest [257638]: 2 years old; killed July 16. Kowalski the Smartest arrived a stray with an inflamed and painful eye injury Team Brennen didn’t treat topically due to his “behavior.” Instead, they pumped him with sedatives.

Kowalski hated being trapped inside a kennel, did better outside and became relaxed and friendly in his dog/dog greet.

A volunteer wrote, “Kowalski the Smartest is the full name given to this boy by the shelter after he arrived as a stray. He’s also the handsomest and wins the best ears category for me too. It’s been under three weeks since he arrived and we only got to meet him this past weekend. Kowalski has struggled at the shelter since the start, and unfortunately deteriorated over time, jumping and screaming while kenneled according to his notes. Out of his kennel I’m happy to see a different boy, albeit still a stressed one. He stands with us, relaxing a bit when we pet him, and nibbling a hot dog we offer him surprisingly gently.“

ACC the Cruelest killed Kowalski the Smartest on day 29.

Mr Rocky [253192]: 4 years old; killed July 16. Mr Rocky was killed on day 80 solely due to “behavior” reported by his owner — behavior reported by a person who abandoned Mr Rocky in their home, leaving him to go some time without food.

“In the care center,” ACC wrote in his “at risk” memo, “Mr Rocky is exuberant and loves to play with staff during his times on walks.” That’s it. Killed for behavior not observed at ACC and reported by an owner who abandoned him — along with six cats — without food. It was Mr Rocky’s second stay at ACC; his owner had surrendered and reclaimed him in 2024.

On intake, Mr Rocky was friendly and social with staff, allowed all handling, sat for treats, and leaned in for pets. He did well in his dog/dog greet and made friends with volunteers. “Mr Rocky has BFF material written all over him,” a volunteer said. “In fact, he’s so best friend coded, he even humors us by dressing in similar outfits to his new volunteer friends! … Mr Rocky has been friendly and easy to handle during this stay in the shelter. He also presents as quite housebroken, nearly always keeping his kennel clean.” Not easy to do when time out of the kennel can be as little as 20 minutes a day.

The things his owner accused him of — resource guarding around food; fearful and defensive behavior when restrained, startled, or groomed; and significant on-leash reactivity toward people, dogs, children, cats, and moving objects, including lunging, growling, hard barking, baring teeth, and lifting his lips — were never noted at ACC.

Foxy [253810]: 2 years old; killed July 17. Foxy, found stray and underweight, was an exuberant, highly social pup who loved people but was reactive to other dogs.

Foxy’s temporary foster wrote: “Foxy is a sweet, affectionate, and fully potty-trained girl who loves spending time with people. She’s calm and well-mannered in the home, enjoys relaxing by your side, and is always happy to soak up attention and affection. Foxy would thrive with an adopter who can continue building her confidence and provide her with a consistent routine. If you’re looking for a loyal companion with lots of love to give, Foxy may be the perfect match for you!”

ACC killed Foxy on day 34, due to alleged reactivity to other dogs.

Abigail [257370]: 1 year old; killed July 17. Abigail, a puppy who had been living in a crate outside due to housing insecurity and restrictions against dogs in her building, was scared, although cooperative, on arrival.

ACC wrote, “This sweet girl is still finding her footing in the shelter, and while new environments can make her feel a little nervous, she has a gentle side that’s worth getting to know ... Give this lovely girl the time she needs and she’ll reward you with a lifetime of quiet companionship.”

Abigail didn’t get time. ACC said she quickly deteriorated (after giving her drugs that can have a paradoxical effect), becoming difficult to leash and occasionally biting the leash.

Abigail was on treatment for CIRDC when ACC killed her on day 32.

Ms Chili Peppa [257657]: 4 years old; killed July 18. Small and shy Ms Chili Peppa arrived stray and quickly became a favorite of volunteers and staff.

“Watching videos of Ms Chili Peppa leaping into the laps and arms and being carried around like a little baby dog is bound to warm any heart,” wrote a volunteer. “Is she an agility dog in the making or just a little girl in a scary place trying to find some comfort? Perhaps a little of both but right now I think more the latter. When I walk into the yard to meet her she’s already on another volunteer’s lap, practically clinging on. She hops off to say hi and then right back on. Her ears are impeccable — a wonder of the natural world even. She’s so tiny — 29 lbs at an estimated 4 years old. Police who brought her in described her as calm, open, and expressive … but she has been scared since being in the shelter. But as you can see when she warms up, she’s social and I bet a lot of fun once she’s decompressed.”

ACC said Ms Chili Peppa wasn’t doing well there due to fear, they excuse they used to kill her. In the notes they made in her last weeks, however, she was reported to be loose and wiggly, easily leashed, did well on walks, checked in with handlers, and continued to jump into laps. She even did very well in her dog/dog greet.

ACC killed Ms Chili Peppa on day 30 for fearful behaviors she was no longer exhibiting.

Red Bull [257635]: 3 years old; killed July 18. On intake, Red Bull, a stray, was wagging his tail, very active, excited, and receptive to human attention. “The most important thing to know about Red Bull, in my professional opinion, is that his little tongue is often sticking just a litttttle bit out of his pouty mouth. This is called a blep, and Red Bull has made it into an art form.

“The second most important thing to know is that he is the smushiest, mushiest mans and we love him a lot. Red was left outside a police station and reported to be friendly. His ACC vet exam notes report that he was easy to examine and ‘very receptive to human attention and affection,’ and ‘very taking of treats.’ He makes the silliest head tilts when we make noises for his attention, making his ears flop about. And when he learns we love his give paw trick, he flings his little paws at my lap trying to find my palm.”

Red Bull, an active pup, was living in a small pop-up crate, against new New York State shelter regulations. ACC reported that Red Bull persistently jumped on handlers during walks. On one occasion he made a small tear in a shirt with his nails.

At some point, ACC made Red Bull TDO (transfer door only). According to ACC, dogs with the status of TDO “cannot be removed from their kennel due to safety concerns for our staff and/or themselves. This could be due to the dog’s history, in-shelter behavior concerns that arise, or if the act of coming out their kennel is causing them more stress.”

A video shows Red Bull, then in a kennel, with a sign that says “No Walks, Transfer Door Only.”

How long he went confined to his kennel, we don’t know. ACC killed Red Bull on day 31.

Yuro [249827]: 2 years old; killed July 18. Formerly known as Coco Puffs, Yuro was at ACC three times since February. The first time, he was surrendered and then reclaimed by his owners. The second time he was found tied to a pole, and when ACC gave him a kill command, reclaimed again.

That’s right: ACC frequently returns dogs to owners who abandoned their pups. Abandoned yet again, the third time Yuro was found stray.

Each time Yuro entered ACC he was social and friendly, playful and wiggly. A high energy pup, he was stressed spending so much time in a kennel. A volunteer wrote, “We had no idea Yuro was a Barkour expert when we first took him out, but we discovered it in no time! He was quick to show us his moves, leaping onto the bench, bouncing off of our bodies and for the grand finale, he zooms repeatedly through our legs. Of course, when we go to capture his best trick he gets camera shy but after many tries, we finally get him whooshing through for a treat or two. After all this play, he’s very happy and needs some help settling down with a little bit of peanut butter. Yuro is a low rider and just about the cutest guy with the most handsome smile and we can’t believe he hasn’t caught the eye of a special family yet.”

Yuro ended up on the “at-risk” list for grabbing the assess-a-hand, biting his leash, and becoming reactive to dogs inside the loud, chaotic “shelter.”

For reacting naturally to his environment, ACC killed Yuro on day 32.

Kingston [253988]: 6 years old; killed July 18. Kingston’s guardian surrendered him because he could no longer afford him. Kingston, they said, could be very active and playful, although sometimes he preferred to be a couch potato. He lived peacefully with a dog and cat. At ACC they said he was highly social, sought affection, and enjoyed enrichment games. He did not like being stuck in a kennel around the clock, surrounded by barking dogs.

A volunteer said, “At 6 years old, I’m sure shelter life is a rude awakening, but like many dogs he’s taking his new reality in stride. I’m quickly enamored with him. His pointed ears and good spirits lift mine. He is thrilled to play, but even more thrilled to wiggle about for butt scratches. His former guardian actually reported butt scratches, cuddles, and watermelon among his favorite things! I love his middle aged temperamen t— just the right amount of energy for most homes.“

ACC neutered Kingston in June and killed him on day 56.

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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 and City Council Speaker Julie Menin, 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 ACC obfuscation and gaps in 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 an NYC ACC networker or volunteer and would like to contribute information on exterminated cats and dogs, or share your experience working with ACC, we want to hear from you. 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.

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

In April 2026, the city’s health commissioner was Alister Martin. Martin’s boss, the mayor, was Zohran Mamdani. The City Council speaker was Julie Menin. Contact information for officials responsible for ACC oversight appears below.

NYC ACC April 2026 outcome data

CATS KILLED THIS MONTH: 107
CATS KILLED THIS YEAR: 430

DOGS KILLED THIS MONTH: 154
DOGS KILLED THIS YEAR: 589

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

Beebop [243259]: 3 years old; killed April 2. Beebop was abandoned to police when a new baby arrived in his family. The owner left no notes about him. On intake to ACC, he sought affection, but then grew nervous during the medical exam. He was healthy but that didn’t save him from being killed.

A volunteer said, “Beebop is an adorable bowling ball and I can only imagine how he is in a real home! He bounced around the yard after toys and then bounded back to us for treats. He patiently sat while I recorded the satellite dishes that emerge from atop his head [his ears] and marveled at how cute he is …. At the shelter, he’s sought affection but also been a little tentative. We can hardly blame him as he is still brand new and learning the ropes.”

A long stay, Beebop learned the ropes well. He remained loose and wiggly, leashed with ease, and very social. ACC neutered him in February and killed the boy that just wanted to play on day 115.

Rusty [250424]: 16 years old; killed April 2. Senior pup Rusty was found March 24 and killed nine days later without any attempt to place him, a silent kill. He was never on the “at-risk of euthanasia” list, went straight to kill command. Hard to get a foster or adopter when ACC provides no information about you, but silent kills aren’t meant to find a home.

Chicken Little [246461]: 3 years old; killed April 4. Chicken Little was very loved. One volunteer said, “When I open her kennel door, Chicken Little, unlike dozens of her neighbors, doesn’t gun it for the exit. Instead, she puts her paws on my hips and calmly goes in for a hug. We find a quiet place for a cuddle, and as she pushes her snout into my elbow, maybe imagining she is somewhere else, I hope I can provide some comfort. Despite her loose body and gentle tail motion as I pet her, her eyes betray the depth of her fear. As we proceed to go outside, this curious girl peeks into the donation room and the cleaning supply closet, eager to explore the world outside her kennel. In the yard, she chases after a pink ball, but often comes back for a hug. With her paws in my lap, at times she looks up as if to ask: ‘Why am I here?’

“Chicken Little, whose original name was McChicken, lost her home due to housing issues. In her former home, she was noted to be crate trained, housebroken (which I can confirm), love car rides & long walks, and be playful, including fetch; sad to think that she now abandons balls in favor of the brief comfort of a stranger’s lap.”

Another volunteer writes “Can confirm every single time she comes out of her kennel she jumps up for a bear hug. Hate to think about this girl who’s so desperate for affection barely getting any each day in a kennel.”

It turns out the sky was falling. ACC killed Chicken Little on day 66. A volunteer who loved her wrote, “This one hurts a lot. Love you sweet angel. The one solace is knowing she got so much love over the past few days. But she deserved so much more. All she ever wanted was to be held.”

Tobias [249365]: 3 years old; killed April 4. Tobias, on intake, was friendly and outgoing, wagging his tail while trying to lick staff. A stray, he had fleas, alopecia, and scabs but seemed hopeful. That soon changed.

“After spending years volunteering, it becomes easier and easier to pinpoint the dogs who are going to need a little more help while in the shelter and to make it out of it,” a volunteer said. “Tobias was on our radar right away, living in a small rollaway kennel in an overcrowded room, already showing so much stress within a few days of his arrival. On our first meeting, he was so riddled with tension and worry that it was nearly impossible to get to know him, his stress manifesting itself in humping and biting the leash. In later days, thankfully now in a much larger kennel, he seemed to calm down a bit, maybe more despondent even, as when I’d pass his kennel he’d be facing his back wall.

“On our most recent interaction, we start to see a glimpse of the real Tobias …playful and fun, a treat and toy demander, energetic and silly. He is finally able to run around and expend that pent up energy, and we get a peek into how he might be out of such a taxing environment in a real home. It’s a sincere reminder not to judge a dog based on the way they present in a kennel.”

Tobias was judged. Although he remained social and wiggly when outside of his kennel and loved to show off his tricks, he was killed on day 26. He had been neutered for no reason eight days after his arrival.

Oreo Cakester [250301]: 4 years old; killed April 5. Oreo Cakester’s human was deported. They said Oreo was timid and scared of strangers, and also a loving playful companion, who they worried would have a hard time warming up to others. At Oreo’s assessment on intake, ACC noted he would “sit next to [the] handler and tremble as he stared at the door,” flinching at the sound of dogs barking.

Oreo Cakester did in a short time find handlers he trusted, leaning in for contact and approaching them for petting. But ACC didn’t give him time to adjust. He didn’t want to return to his kennel and growled when he was scared so they killed him on day 12, Easter Sunday.

Futon [247370]: 1 year old; killed April 5. Adorable Futon was found tied up in a hallway with her brother, also 1 year old. They named Futon’s brother Bunkbed, revealing as they do so often a troubling attitude about the sentient beings in their care.

“When Futon first arrived, she was noted to be highly fearful and tense,” a volunteer said, “When I first spotted her in her kennel in February, she was curled up tightly in the back corner, watching me with fearful eyes…Seeing her like that, I expected her to be very fearful when I finally interacted with her in March, but she completely blew me away.

“Instead, Futon was wiggly, so playful, and overall friendly, though still slightly cautious at times. She LOVES toys and can happily entertain herself for a while, a sweet reminder that despite everything she has been through, she is still just a year old baby.”

ACC killed shy puppy Futon on day 53, Easter Sunday, when ACC was closed for everything but slaughtering.

Garlic Knot [248547]: 8 years old; killed April 6. They named a senior stray pup Garlic Knot. Was it because he had a mass on his lip? Contemptible. A volunteer said, “He is [a] sweet old man….Garlic Knot came to us when the police found him wandering around a parking lot alone. Garlic Knot has been stressed at the shelter, having trouble finding outlets for his stress or finding places that offer a bit of comfort. He does like trying new foods, which works for us—we are able to give him a sampling of all the treats available.”

ACC wrote, “Garlic Knot is highly social, engages with handlers and enrichment, and responds to training when consistent reinforcement is provided but is struggling to maintain his arousal levels on his own.” Did they forget that the purpose of a care center is to help, not expect dogs to manage stress on their own?

On March 18 and 20 Garlic Knot passed out. They failed to note how or why in his notes. By the 25th, he had CIRDC, possibly pneumonia; he was still sick on April 2 when they first listed him at risk for euthanasia. ACC killed him four days later, day 45.

Ru [248786]: 3 years old; killed April 6. Ru and another dog were found abandoned in a home without food or water for several days. Emaciated Ru had too many bite wounds to count. Despite trauma, Ru was social and wiggly, patiently sat for treats and did great in his dog/dog greet. But he did become stressed at ACC.

A volunteer said, “When I met Ru two weeks ago, he was such a friendly, well-behaved boy. He was underweight, so of course treats were a big motivator, but he took them so politely and would sit patiently, holding his sit until the treat was given. He was social and wiggly, enjoyed petting, especially butt scratches, and stayed calm even on a busy street. It really feels like the kennel is what is stressing him, not his true personality. I truly think that once Ru is in a calm, loving home, he will flourish….Outside the kennel, Ru remains social with staff, is receptive to treats, and walks well on leash.”

Apparently Ru was smart enough to know things weren’t going to end well or possible he was just terrorized by confinement after his recent experiences. Whatever the case, he broke out of his crate twice. Moved to a kennel, he bit at the kennel bars and lock. ACC killed Ru on day 35.

Kia [248476]: 4 years old; killed April 6. Kia had severe skin disease and conjunctivitis. Medical staff wrote, “She must be miserable with this skin and those eyes but she is still playful.”

Highly social and exuberant with handlers at ACC, her human described Kia as affectionate, playful, and active. They could not afford a vet for Kia’s chronic skin condition.

ACC killed Kia on day 36, citing leash biting.

Grizzly [251283]: 14 years old; killed April 7

Grizzly was found tied up in a lobby on April 4 and killed three days later, a silent kill. He was never listed for foster or adoption. Records show that he was in severe kidney failure, blind and deaf.

Euphrates [249434]: 7 years old; killed April 8. Euphrates, an underweight stray, had a severe case of alopecic dermatitis covering his entire body, with scaly skin.

Even so, during his medical exam, he remained relaxed and wagged his tail when spoken to. “When he first arrived, he was fearful and tense,” said a volunteer, “but over time he has warmed up to handlers, checks in on walks, and has shown he can build trust with patience and consistency. Shelter life is clearly hard on him, though … In my own interactions with him, he has been such a lovable guy with a middle-aged man vibe that I adore. He takes treats gently, responds when called, is friendly, and is very into treats and butt scratches.”

Treats and butt scratches, according to volunteers were what set his tail wagging. Leash biting is the excuse they used to kill him on day 29.

Gailey [248304]: 3 years old; killed April 9. Gailey, a stray, was darted and brought in by police. He was scared and unsure at ACC as you can see in his video. Initially, he was so afraid of going down stairs he had to be carried by staff. On walks he would get nervous and want to go back inside. He did better when carrying a toy in his mouth. Despite his fears, he sought human affection and cooperated as best he could.

ACC killed Gailey on day 47 for nipping at the leash and treats pouch.

Drifter [250456]: 6 years old; killed April 9. Drifter was never listed for foster or adoption, a silent kill. He was killed 15 days after he was found.

Tarmack [244303]: 2 years old; killed April 12. Found on Christmas Eve, underweight and thin, Tarmack lost even more weight during his first two months at ACC. Neutered in early March; by the end of the month they had him on heavy doses of Gabapentin, Trazadone, and Clonidine.

Shy and sensitive Tarmack was floundering at ACC, but “the moment he begins showing off his tricks, you see it… that spark…During our time together, he lit up during training and proudly showed off his tricks, more interested in working than cuddling. It feels like that shared focus is how he builds confidence and bonds with people.” Tarmack was also a whiz at clicker training and pattern games.

“Unfortunately,” wrote ACC, “Tarmack has been showing a decreasing threshold for arousal. In a recent incident, Tarmack lunged toward a staff member grabbing a staff member’s shirt leaving a small tear (no skin contact).”

And that’s how healthy, beguiling dogs end up dead at ACC. One off day, one wrong move is all it takes. ACC killed Tarmack on day 110.

Blue [248943]: 3 years old; killed April 12. Blue arrived at ACC a stray and quickly got pneumonia. He was quite sick for several weeks. Once he recovered he proved to be highly social; when out on walks he would show off his wiggles to passersby who greeted him.

He was often exuberant, jumping high, and intermittently a leash biter. That’s all it took to get Blue killed on day 39.

Don [250525]: 1 year old; killed April 12. Don was surrendered to ACC because his owners moved. On intake, Don was tense and barking but by the next day, during his medical exam, they said he sought human affection and attention. ACC rated him Level 1, the best possible behavior rating. And yet also immediately prescribed a high level of sedatives, Gabapentin and Trazodone. Their subsequent notes on Don were sparse, but he was easily leashed, did well on walks, and leaned in for pets. ACC killed Don on day 19.

His at risk of euthanasia memo, their reason for killing him, is bizarre: “Don displays leash biting, high arousal in the kennel, and reactivity toward dogs and strangers, including tensing and raised hackles. He also shows heavy panting and does not reliably take food when stressed.”

Apparently at ACC raised hackles, panting, and not eating gets a puppy killed.

Reginald [249153]: 5 years old; killed April 12. “When we meet him, we quickly know he’s the kind of dog who’s not going to have an easy time at the shelter,” a volunteer said. “Reginald was found in an enclosed trash area in a building by the super, left there by an unknown person alone. After a stop at the police station he arrived at the shelter where we’ve been able to spend time with him. When we do, it’s clear he’s struggling. Sitting still for even a moment is challenging. He shies away from much handling, seemingly uncomfortable, but engages readily with toys. He shows off his World Cup moves with a stuffed soccer ball, and does loops with a pink stuffie, letting us admire those big tall ears as he passes and shows us his treasure. There is a sweetness to his eyes that you can’t miss.

“Reginald is the kind of dog that would be easy to misunderstand. His leash biting behaviors have resulted in him not being available for walks in recent days, and his arousal can be hard to manage … I hope that a new home will be patient with decompression and gentle with him. I hope a rescue will thoroughly vet him for pain and discomfort and work kindly with him to settle in a home.”

Reginald didn’t get that chance. They neutered him mid-March and killed him on day 37.

Clever [250243]: 3 years old; killed April 13. Clever’s finder said that he was a big baby, affectionate and protective.

ACC said Clever was highly fearful, but after the first couple of days he was consistently social, easily leashed and walked. He approached staff for pets and treats, was wiggly and wagging.

ACC killed Clever on day 23.

Jazz [250577]: 2 years old; killed April 13. Jazz was very scared, trembling, and hiding in her kennel but tried to be cooperative. Even though she trusted some handlers and sought gentle contact, she couldn’t quite shake her fear in the brief time she was there.

What she needed was time, which they did not give her.

ACC killed Jazz on day 19.

Beauty [248229]: 7 years old; killed April 13. Loyal family dog Beauty lived happily with six kids; surrendered to ACC because they couldn’t afford her care.

Beauty was afraid of strangers, but was social at ACC. With familiar handlers, she would jump exuberantly, lean into them for petting, lay her head on their lap, and attempt to lick their face.

ACC spayed Beauty and killed her 10 days later on day 34.

Precious [250136]: 5 years old; killed April 15. Precious lived with five other dogs, all surrendered to ACC because their human had cancer. A volunteer said, “She is a perfect potatoey sunbather when I go to get her out of her kennel. Precious has been fearful and shut down at ACC, preferring slow and gentle interactions. She lets us put little piggie pajamas on her — her vibe is cozy couch potato.“

ACC spayed Precious four days after intake because they thought she might be pregnant. They note that she wasn’t; they killed her on day 21 due to anxious behavior and leash biting.

Two of the other dogs Precious lived with were subsequently killed: Uno on April 19 and and Baby on May 1.

Tinkerbell [241347]: 1 year old; April 16. Tinkerbell, an underweight stray, was adopted from ACC in late February, returned some time in April and instead of trying to find her a new home, ACC killed her, a silent kill.

“Tinkerbell is sensitive and shy,” said a volunteer, “but has slowly begun opening up during her time at the Care Center … When I spent time with her in the backyard, all she wanted was to be close to me, pressing her head into my body and leaning her whole weight against me for comfort. She truly is a sweet little angel. With a calm environment, a gentle approach, and patience, I know Tinkerbell will blossom and show just how special and loving she truly is.”

Another volunteer said, “Our times with Tinkerbell have been so lovely out on strolls! She shows absolutely no reactivity to other dogs she passes, even when they bark at her, and while her tail is down in the kennel where she appears scared, she perks right to life once she’s leashed up and out for a walk. She’s got a bounce in her step until she spots a set of steps that she decides are perfect for stopping for snuggles from her walker. It’s an absolute pleasure to do the honors for this dog who is so eager to love and be loved.”

Because she was a silent kill, we don’t have notes on Tinkerbell and don’t know precisely when she returned to ACC or why they killed her.

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.

Kovu remained mostly nervous and tense at ACC, but he never caused any trouble. Still, ACC killed him 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 with 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 six 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, was killed on May 1.

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 always-unsanitary 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 typical staff laziness they blamed on “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]: 2 years 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 sloppy and indifferent ACC 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.

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.

Nutcracker 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, which nevertheless 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 infection, he cried but didn’t escalate. Ranger remained loose and wiggly, wasn’t bothered by other dogs.

ACC gave Ranger the death penalty on day 23, for alleged leash biting.

Pops [252984]: 13 years old; killed April 28. Pops was abandoned at the 119th Precinct on April 26 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.

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.”

Tootsie was killed day 33, not because of anything she did at the “shelter” but because of “her previous behavior at home.” Any excuse will do.

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.

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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 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.

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 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.