February 2026
Names and images of cats and dogs exterminated by Animal Care Centers of New York City in February 2026.
The Scoop New York is an indie 501(c)(3) non-profit web site and newsletter covering the movement for a true no-kill New York, from BUF to BK.
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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.
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About NYC ACC KILLS memoriam posts
Information in NYC ACC KILLS memoriam posts is drawn from reader tips and the NYC ACC “at-risk outcomes” list. As evidenced by its monthly and annual outcome data reports, ACC kills far more cats and dogs than appear on the at-risk list. ACC exterminates many healthy and adoptable cats and dogs without first offering them for adoption. Victims of this ACC practice are known among advocates as “silent kills.”
ACC will often spay or neuter a cat or dog only to exterminate her or him during recovery, or soon after. This practice is known as “spay-neuter-kill.”
Known silent kills and spay-neuter-kill victims are identified as such by NYC ACC KILLS.
Since cats are underrepresented on ACC’s “at-risk outcomes” list, they are also underrepresented here.
Due to gaps in NYC ACC record-keeping, memoriam posts are, sadly, bound to be incomplete. The Scoop New York continually adds names and images of NYC ACC victims to NYC ACC KILLS as we find them. Follow NYC ACC KILLS and The Scoop New York on social media for updates.
If you’re with a rescue, or you’re an NYC ACC volunteer, and would like to contribute images of cats and dogs killed by ACC, please contact TSNY.
A note about names: Many animals come to NYC ACC with unknown histories, including their names. In addition, ACC does not always use the name a cat or dog is accustomed to, even if the agency knows what it is. As a result, many animals exterminated by ACC are never properly identified. Unfortunately, for the most part NYC ACC KILLS has only the names provided by ACC, even if those names are incorrect or nonsensical. ACC-assigned names are presented here without quotation marks unless TSNY can confirm an animal was known by a different name when admitted to ACC.
NYC ACC operates under putative supervision by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, which endorses killing healthy and adoptable cats and dogs at will and with impunity.
Though ACC is supported by taxpayers, the city conceals ACC personnel contact information from New Yorkers. As a public service, The Scoop New York makes ACC staff email addresses available to readers.
In February 2026, the city’s health commissioner was Alister Martin. Martin’s boss, the mayor, was Zohran Mamdani. Contact information for officials responsible for ACC oversight appears below.
OFFICIALS RESPONSIBLE FOR NYC ACC OVERSIGHT
Mayor Zohran Mamdani: Contact form
City Council Speaker Julie Menin: 212-788-7210; Email
City Comptroller Mark Levine: 212-669-3916; Contact forms
City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams: 212-669-7250; Email
City Council members: Lookup
Borough presidents: Lookup
NYC DOH Commissioner Alister Martin: 311; Contact form
NYC ACC February 2026 outcome data
CATS KILLED THIS MONTH: 117
DOGS KILLED THIS MONTH: 124
CATS KILLED THIS YEAR: 219
DOGS KILLED THIS YEAR: 280
Note that ACC omits from its “euthanasia” totals owner-surrendered animals who were exterminated without being offered for adoption. Placement rates reported by ACC do not include such cats and dogs, but they are counted among the dead by TSNY.
Animals whom ACC classifies as “died in care” or “lost in care” are named and counted by TSNY, among the cats and dogs ACC destroyed with intent.
In memoriam
CATS
Eminem Meowthers [247972]: 3 years old; killed February 28. Eminem Meowthers, a stray cat, who was noted to be calm and timid, was listed for medical reasons. ACC wrote: “He is a young sweet cat and recovering from a urinary obstruction. He needs monitoring and pain management in a veterinary clinic to recover.” Instead, ACC killed him on day 10.
DOGS
Candy [244352]: 1 year old; killed February 1. “Candy,” a volunteer said, “is a sensitive soul. In her kennel, she shrinks herself into a ball, trying to block out the noise of the overcrowded shelter.…Candy was found by the police tied up and alone. She was nervous and scared, but so clearly gentle and loving. At the shelter she warms up quickly, although she does need a patient person to give her the same kindness and sweetness she gives....In the yard, she realizes that the best spot for her is resting her head against us, smooshing it in for warmth and comfort.”
Candy was adopted and returned the next day after the adopter grabbed her by the collar to get her off the couch and she nipped. Upon return to ACC she became stressed, digging in her kennel to try to get out. ACC killed Candy three weeks later.
Rocky Boy [245656]: 2 years old; killed February 2. Rocky Boy came to ACC wiggly, tail wagging, and almost immediately caught CIRDC. ACC wrote: “Medically, Rocky Boy is receiving treatment for CIRDC but has not been eating his medication consistently. His behavior may preclude appropriate treatment if he does not improve medically.”
What behavior? His owner abandoned him, reporting a bite to the hand, but ACC didn’t have any details about the incident. They never gave him a handling assessment, and all but ignored him.
There were only two notes on Rocky Boy in ACC records. On the 21st, he was “standing at the front of his kennel with a soft body….One handler easily leashes him while the second offers him treats before swapping. Once double-leashed, he is moved to isolation for his CIRDC. He tolerates the leads being clipped and enters the new kennel without issue.” On the 27th, he’s “sitting in the back of his kennel, lip licking and wagging his tail. ACS reported that he doesn’t want to move over his transfer door. The handler helps by tossing treats through the transfer door, which Rocky Boy quickly follows.”
Did they give him the “appropriate treatment” for CIRDC? ACC killed Rocky Boy on day 20.
Bonnie [245388]: 4 years old; killed February 2. Highly social and wiggly on intake, Bonnie, a stray, was also very nervous. She did her best to cooperate, remained very social, and was happiest when outside — tossing her toys, bouncy and exuberant on walks. A big fan of treats, for which she would sit patiently, they said she would greet handlers with her “trademark full-body wiggle.” ACC killed Bonnie on day 23.
“Maxie Waxie” [240006]: 2 years old; killed February 4. Maxie Waxie — whose name was changed from Max by ACC — lived happily with his family, which included children and cats, until he was surrendered due to the landlord’s no pet policy. His human said they saved him from an abusive home when he was a puppy.
“An awesome dog with lots of energy,” his human said, affectionate and playful with all, including other dogs. Asked their favorite thing about him, they said, “He has a beautiful soul and his eyes say the most. I love how fast and strong he is. He’s very, very, playful.” Staff at ACC agreed: “He’s an energetic, social guy who enjoys treats, toys, and playful engagement with his handlers.” After saddling him with a nonsense name, which they do to amuse themselves, ACC killed Max on day 85.
Otter [245582]: 5 years old; killed February 4. Found in an abandoned building and extremely scared, Otter got braver every day.
One volunteer said, Otter “who is as cute as his name implies…went from lunging and growling at new people to being loose bodied when people approach his kennel, tapping his paws and pushing at the door to come out. And today, when we finally get to meet him, it’s hard to imagine the fractious Otter that first arrived because all we get is sweet, ham, mushball Otter who leans into us for petting and more treats.” Another said, “Otter is a total love.”
His video recorded his journey from scared boy to brave little man. Didn’t matter to ACC; they killed Otter on day 23.
Doeby [183902]: 4 years old; killed February 4. Everyone loved Doeby, who lost her family when they moved to NYCHA housing. Gentle, loving, and loyal, her family said. Volunteers agreed. “She listened well, loved treats, and soaked up attention. She was playful but also happily content,” one said.
Another said, “This incredibly affectionate, human-adoring pup, who once lived with other dogs in a home, has become increasingly stressed in the shelter environment and needs out. Doeby is a social butterfly and greets all her people on our way out of the shelter, and on our way back in.”
A great leash walker, Doeby loved exploring and also “loves to snuggle with you on the backyard bench or score a butt scratch or hug.” ACC killed Doeby on day 49.
Archibold [245743]: 4 years old; killed February 4. Archibold, a stray, came in very friendly and outgoing with staff. Underweight with an infected wound from a deeply embedded dewclaw, Archibold tried to cooperate but didn’t want to return to his kennel.
“Archibold is long-legged, lanky, and spirited,” a volunteer says. He is also “curious and really enjoys exploring on his street walks.” He liked to “disembowel and explode squeaky toys. Archie can get easily excited in the yard with too many soft toys around, but he is affectionate and sweet.” ACC killed Archibold on day 20.
Rahki [246045] 5 years old; killed February 4. Rahki, adopted from ACC, was returned because of a child’s allergies and was killed 15 days later, a silent kill. We don’t know why.
Fernando [245991]: 2 years old; killed February 7. Fernando, left by his owner at the police station, was trembling and terrified on intake, seeking exit. They titled his video “Fernando learning to trust,” and as the video shows, he did look to humans for comfort, even jumping into the laps of staff he didn’t know. But this worried little guy didn’t get the time he needed to decompress and find a new home. ACC killed Fernando on day 19.
Hoss [243261]: 3 years old; killed February 10. Hoss, an underweight stray, was “extremely timid and fearful,” said a volunteer. “Once outside, Hoss is still shy but is very sweet and gentle as he gains confidence.” Days later, the volunteer said, “Hoss absolutely surprised me. Not timid at all today, Hoss was confident and happy to be leashed and taken out for a walk. He is gentle and affectionate and loves treats and squeaky toys…Hoss is just lovely!”
Hoss gained the confidence to be easily leashed. Who knows what else he could have accomplished if ACC hadn’t killed him on day 64.
Adelaide [247321]: 10 years old; killed February 11. Found running loose in a park, 10 year old Adelaide was a silent kill, a dog ACC never tried to place for rescue or adoption.
ACC killed Adelaide three days after she was found in Canarsie Park, Brooklyn.
Paladin [245527]: 3 years old; killed February 12. Paladin, a stray, came into the shelter nervous, afraid to get into the kennel.
Notes during his stay reveal a different dog altogether: He met the greeter dog with a soft body and wagging tail, was consistently loose bodied, easily leashed, and attentive on walks. But first impressions become damning labels at ACC, where they killed Paladin day 32.
Gazelle [246217]: 2 years old; killed February 14. Gazelle arrived a fearful stray, her ears wounded and badly infected.
ACC suggested she stayed fearful. A volunteer said something quite different: “This dog is an angel!!!! The sweetest, kindest, most affectionate baby who is clearly so uncomfortable [ear infection] but so eager for love (and to share it!). When she first came in she didn’t like to be pet on her head, but a look into her ears shows that she must be suffering...and even so, now she LOVES to be pet! She walks beautifully, takes treats like an angel, and will make the gentlest companion.”
In her video, where she stands calmly, gently accepting treats, you can hear the handler saying, “Oh sweetie…I love her.” ACC killed 2-year-old Gazelle on Valentine’s Day, day 20.
Symphony [246448]: 5 years old; killed February 14. Mama dog Symphony, found stray, came in trembling, avoiding interaction, and very fearful.
ACC assessed her to be in heat on arrival. Within a short period of time, she began to cautiously accept pets, started wagging her tail, and was easily leashed.
Like so many dogs at ACC, she needed time but didn’t get it. ACC killed Symphony on day 18.
Honeydew [216914]: 2 years old; killed February 14. Honeydew was at NYC ACC three times, the first as an emaciated 1-year-old puppy, sick, her hair falling out with the lightest touch. The second time, a year later, she again arrived an emaciated stray. On both occasions, she came to ACC tail wagging, soliciting attention and affection.
A volunteer said she was “consistently sweet and social at the shelter—leaning into touch, playing fetch, and gently taking snacks. She appreciates baby talk, and has even been learning a few tricks in our care.…We quickly put her in a little costume to hide her emaciation. Her first Halloween look is a snoopy costume. She is a great sport and rocks that outfit. Her second look is a big pumpkin sweater. She is too skinny to fill it out but she’s still a rockstar at modeling our Halloween collection.”
The third return to ACC may have been the hardest. “Adopted for a whopping 15 days,” a volunteer said, “even though she seems so perfect to me. They said she’s a big sweetheart who loves to cuddle with her family, play with rubber toys or balls, and chew sticks. She is great with other dogs and takes no time to warm up to them but might steal their toys.” She was returned because when startled she snapped at a roommate’s leg — didn’t break skin — then fled the room and hid.
A staff member wrote: “Honeydew is a bright, people-seeking pup who leans in for affection and lights up for toys and training. She’s the kind of dog who learns fast, loves a ‘trade,’ and will happily play fetch between cuddle breaks.”
Still, ACC killed her. A video of Honeydew on a day break from the shelter reveals what a darling pup she was — everything a dog could be. Honeydew, enrolled in the ACC Shelter Scholar program, was killed on day 70.
Central [246830]: 3 years old; killed February 15. Central, a stray, came to ACC tail wagging and allowed all handling during his medical exam. Social with staff, he soon became sick with CIRDC. He was, like many strays, dog reactive. Easily leashed to go out, he didn’t want to go back into his kennel.
Given no chances and a dehumanizing name, ACC put Central on the “at risk” (of extermination by ACC) list on day six and killed him on day 11.
Maynard [246699]: 8 years old; killed February 15. The police who found 100-pound Maynard said he was friendly, and on ACC intake remained calm. Nervous and timid during his medical exam the next day, he was flagged by ACC for neglect with severe degenerative joint disease/osteoarthritis believed to be caused by severely overgrown nails.
After a week at ACC, he was no longer calm; he was terrified, spooked by the dogs barking at him and afraid to leave his kennel.
For exhibiting fear, ACC killed Maynard on day 14.
Nuevo [244513]; 2 years old; killed February 16. Nuevo, a timid stray, trembling during his medical exam, was social with staff despite feeling poorly most of his time at ACC.
ACC dosed Nuevo with a boatload of drugs: Trazodone, Clonidine, and Gabapentin. Nuevo had persistent GI issues, and ulcerated paw pads that caused him to limp.
Noted to be consistently panting, hyper salivating, and barking, ACC diagnosed kennel stress. Instead of working to alleviate that stress, ACC killed Nuevo day 57.
Buddy [227498]: 3 years old; killed February 16. Buddy was at NYC ACC three times over a nine-month period. The first time he was a stray found abandoned in a yard with another dog and two puppies. They noted evidence of trauma — a wound on his head that didn’t appear to be a bite. The second time, he was brought in by a friend of his new owner with a vague claim of being aggressive to other dogs. This time ACC wrote that he was timid, tense, and underweight. The third time he was brought in by his new owner for barking and lunging at dogs in the hallway. True to form, ACC responded by pumping him with the “shelter” compliance cocktail: human doses of human sedatives Trazodone, Clonidine, and Gabapentin.
Buddy may not have been good with other dogs, but he truly loved people. “Buddy’s a total, wonderful surprise,” said a volunteer. “He’s a complete lovebug. We hung out in the backyard in the evening and all he wanted to do is jump up on the bench and cuddle with me. Wow. Can’t wait to walk him again during daylight hours.”
After labeling his video “gentle soul,” ACC killed Buddy on day 36.
Paris [245973]: 5 years old; killed February 17. Abandoned by her owner, Paris was initially very scared, avoiding contact, eying the door for escape. Even in the “at risk” memo, which is supposed to explain why the “shelter” kills a dog, ACC admitted that Paris had made “significant improvement with sociability…begun to be easily walked, solicit contact.”
This was their last note about her, days before they killed her: “Paris is loose, wiggly body at front of kennel as handler approaches. Paris stands on hindlegs once, drops down and is easily leashed. Paris pulls moderately out of kennel, pounces exuberantly when exiting room to hallway. Paris ignores barking dogs in kennels. Paris takes treats gently from handler, allows all petting, gentle and exuberant with a loose body, also jumps on to handler in a social manner with loose body. Paris is walked on sidewalk, maintains mild pull, loose body with wagging tail. Paris continues to be social with handler, checks in visually when verbally cued, and jumps on handler in a social manner. Paris is walked back to MACC. In elevator and driveway Paris approaches familiar staff with loose-wiggly body. Paris is walked back to kennel, her leash is clipped and removed without issue.”
Four days later, on day 29, ACC killed Paris for fearful behavior ACC said she no longer had.
Etho [245757]: 1 year old; killed February 18. The police who found Etho wandering the streets said he was friendly, and he remained so at ACC.
Etho, a volunteer said, “is a very sweet boy with familiar handlers, often leaning in for pets or propping up on laps. He isn’t a fan of the other dogs there, and for that he’s on death row. He’s just a scared (very cute) puppy!”
ACC killed Etho on day 32.
Tyson [217386]; 3 years old; killed February 18. Tyson came to ACC with Fox [217387] as bonded strays. Tyson was killed 13 days later: a silent kill, so we don’t have information about him.
We do know that Fox, whom ACC killed a few weeks later, had been at ACC a year before and was reclaimed by his owner, then returned as a stray with Tyson.
Choo Choo [243708]: 4 years old; killed February 19. ACC kept changing Choo Choo’s name — first Trampoline, then Train Conductor.
Another mystery: after being there almost two months, why did he only have a nine second video?
Choo Choo, a volunteer said, was a “gregarious, attention-loving pup…a sweet, squeaky toy-loving, four-year-old doll of a dog. Very cute and lovable.” He “loved walking with a stuffy toy in his mouth. He’s a big love with sore paws that are very quickly healing.”
ACC neutered Choo Choo before killing him on day 56.
Moo Lan [245362]: 1 year old; killed February 19. A volunteer said, “About a month ago Moo was dropped off at a police station by someone saying they could not keep her anymore. Since then, except for a brief stay with a foster, she’s been living in a kennel at NYCACC. Moo is young and seems like a playful girl. But when we hang out with her she seemed happiest on a lap, sitting on her bum like a little kid and with her feet gathered together in a little bouquet. She ate snacks and had her belly rubbed and seemed incredibly content in that moment.”
“Moo-Lan (Moo),” her foster said, “is the sweetest, cuddliest dog you’ve ever met. She wants nothing more than to lay down next to you and snuggle under a blanket with you. Moo Lan loves as many toys and intellectual stimulation [as] you can give. She’s so cute; her ears are always in the most whimsical position, and she will most definitely be the cutest shadow you’ll ever have.….she is very socially anxious around other dogs (but thankfully, not humans!).”
Working with a trainer at ACC, Moo Lan was successfully learning how to turn her back on barking dogs. ACC spayed Moo Lan three weeks before killing her, on day 41.
Chloe [245314]: 4 years old; killed February 20. Chloe’s owners left her with someone and never came back. On arrival at ACC, she had a wound from an overgrown nail embedded in her paw pad, was lame, and in need of TLC.
Social and wiggly with familiar handlers, she begged for belly rubs from those she trusted. Being so cute, she got lots of them. ACC killed Chloe on day 22.
Zoe [245893]: 2 years old; killed February 20. Zoe arrived at ACC with 30 bite puncture wounds from an altercation between dogs at her home. She had recently had a litter and was being kept in a separate room when the door was left open and the other two dogs got in.
The owners blamed Zoe. They called the police, who said Zoe remained calm in the crate during transport. At ACC she was very social, wiggly and wagging, easily leashed and walked, with no notes on or signs of agression. She liked to toss toys in the air and catch them. ACC killed Zoe on day 33.
Sunny [241702]: 5 years old; killed Feb 20. Aptly named Sunny, a volunteer says of him, “His face is irresistibly cute. Everything about him is big — from his sheer [86] pounds and big bounces when he sees us hold a tennis ball to his wiggles when you scratch the right spot. And while many dogs are unimpressed with the snow, Sunny happily bounds around, gently digs, and emerges with a snow covered face and a smile. He hands you his paw and sits whenever asked, happy to show what he’s learned in a past life we know nothing about.…a big, playful, curious boy.”
ACC killed Sunny, a stray, on day 99.
Megabron [245595]: 5 years old; killed February 22. Cute Megabron, dumped at a police station, was a bit anxious on intake but allowed all handling and was made happy with treats.
A volunteer said, “He’s trying very hard to be a good boy. He likes to carry his stuffy on walks, and proudly show it off to you, picking it up and holding it with eyes filled with pride. He loves attention and clearly he is not getting enough of it.”
What he didn’t want to do was go back into his cage after walks or playtime. ACC killed Megabron on day 40.
Luna [243395]: 1 year old; killed February 23. Underweight Luna was a mama too soon — possibly bred with the male dog also dumped by her owner. She had lived with her owner for just six months and was reported to have spent most of her time outside. Her ears were poorly cropped. On intake ACC said she was gentle and nervous.
“A big shy girl with a tough exterior,” a volunteer said of Luna. “She’s just a big baby at heart. And when I look into her big, dark eyes, I just melt. Luna walks nicely by my side, glancing up occasionally to check in with me. She loves treats and is highly food motivated. She’s been quiet and gentle and in her short time in the shelter has really grown on me.”
ACC killed Luna on day 61.
Billy [247439]: 8 years old; killed February 24. What happened to Billy? Darted to be removed from his home, he came to ACC with his fur matted with feces, very afraid.
Treats and toys yielded gentle tail wags, but mostly Billy was terrified and didn’t get the help he needed. ACC killed Billy on day 12.
Blizzard [248208]: 13 years old; killed Feb 25. A silent kill, Blizzard was exterminated three days after she was admitted to ACC as a stray.
Chunky Monkey [247735]: 1 year old, killed Feb 26. ACC never tried to find a home for puppy Chunky Monkey. He was a silent kill. Asked why they killed him, ACC wrote, “Chunky Monkey was approved for no placement due to low threshold for arousal and grabbing staff members ankles.” In other words, he was a puppy.
Chunky Monkey was found on February 16 and killed by the “animal care center” 10 days later.
Scoob [244378]: 1 year old; killed February 27. Puppy Scoob, says a volunteer, was “69 lbs of adolescent energy and behavior. And yet he managed to disarm us with his charm. Running across the yard he flew onto a lap, and a summer Olympics would say he stuck the landing. I truly don’t think he cared that he was entirelv too big to fit, he was pleased to be where he was.”
Scoob, a stray, was found outside a pizzeria eating from the trash. Apparently, he stole a glove from someone’s pocket to play with, but politely dropped it when asked. On intake ACC wrote that he was “very sweet and friendly.” His leash biting, for which ACC killed him, began only after he’d been at ACC for a few weeks. Scoob was killed on day 64.
Chance [247338]: 4 years old; killed February 28. Chance, a stray ACC named, didn’t get one. They killed him 17 days after he was admitted with a bleeding toe mass. ACC did remove the toe mass when they neutered him — 10 days before killing him, ostensibly for leash biting.
“From the moment I met Chance,” a volunteer said, “I was happy that I had. I found him lying in his kennel, cone flattened to the ground. He lit up when he knew it was his turn to go out, wagging his big cone head to the front of his kennel to be leashed. The cone made him extra silly, unaware of exactly where his body was. We were able to take it off for a bit and give him a break. And then we could really see that absolutely gorgeous big white head and his inky tear drop shaped eyes. Chance loves a toy, specifically he loves to carry one. He gets a big red one from us and spends the next 10 minutes in full bodied wiggles walking between [us] to show it off. He places it right in my palm to play and is oh so gentle about it! He even carries it all by himself all the way back to his kennel.”
