April 2026
Names, images and stories of adoptable cats and dogs exterminated by Animal Care Centers of New York City in April 2026.
The Scoop New York is an indie non-profit web site and newsletter covering the movement for a true no-kill New York, from BUF to BK.
We take names. We step on toes. We bring receipts.
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.
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
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.
