January 2026
Names and images of cats and dogs exterminated by Animal Care Centers of New York City in January 2026.
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.
In January 2026, the city’s acting health commissioner was Michelle Morse. Her boss, the mayor, was Zohran Mamdani.
NYC ACC January 2026 outcome data
CATS KILLED THIS MONTH: 102
DOGS KILLED THIS MONTH: 156
CATS KILLED THIS YEAR: 102
DOGS KILLED THIS YEAR: 156
KNOWN SPAY-NEUTER-KILL VICTIMS THIS MONTH: 4
KNOWN SPAY-NEUTER-KILL VICTIMS THIS YEAR: 4
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
Tres Leches [245003]: 10 years old; killed January 8. Tres Leches was an emaciated and dehydrated stray cat with a severe injury to his tongue. His finder said she saw Tres Leches outside about two months earlier and offered him food. Tres Leches ran into her home and refused to leave so she allowed him to come in and out for meals as he pleased. During his medical exam, he sat quietly and allowed all handling, giving soft headbutts when a hand was offered. He needed medical attention ACC doesn’t give and was killed on day three, when the mandatory stray hold time was up.
DOGS
Tyrone [241631]: 6 years old; killed January 5. With his worried face and a gentle demeanor, Tyrone described by a handler as a “very chill boy” had a hellish time at NYC ACC. In isolation for CIRDC, which is endemic there; then over sedated by drugs (also endemic) until he wasn’t steady on his feet; those paws also painfully inflamed, probably from walking on salt in the winter. ACC neutered Tyrone, then killed him seven weeks after he arrived.
Zo Juniore [243208]: 2 years old; killed January 5. Zo Juniore was hopeful, noted to be friendly during his medical exam. It was all downhill from there. That he was easily leashed, wiggly, soft-bodied didn’t matter. Not wanting to go back in his cage, being afraid, was a nuisance. They didn’t make a video to help him find a home and took only one photo. Zo was one of countless dogs ACC doesn’t really try to save.
Zo, his human said, was active and playful, fond of tennis balls, running, and eating fruit. Given the triple cocktail of drugs, Trazodone, Gabapentin and Clonidine, NYC ACC killed Zo after 21 days.
Mudpuppy [243517]: 3 years old; killed January 8. Found by the police, Mudpuppy was timid and scared of being collared but he met the “greeter dog” with a wagging tail and staff reported him to be very playful. What tripped him up was the fake hand used to “assess” temperament. He bit. As studies have shown, those tests prove nothing. That Mudpuppy had an ear infection that could have affected his behavior was of no consequence. ACC killed Mudpuppy on day 27.
Bingo [241918]: 1 year old; killed January 8. Bingo’s human most loved the hugs and kisses he gave so freely. A volunteer said, “I love Bingo’s corkscrew piglet tail, but what I love even more is when he gets so happy it vibrates uncontrollably back and forth! [He’s] super pleased when we figure out all the tricks he can do even though he gets a little confused by the cue words. He’s especially delighted when he receives a treat in return. Bingo has the most adorable puppy eyes, beautiful brindle coat and a cheery personality.”
Staff wrote on intake “Bingo had a loose and wiggly body with a wagging tail. He approached staff for pets and took treats rough, staff told him gentle and he took treats gently.” Despite his intelligence and cooperation — and no reported behavior issues at home — they started Bingo on drugs immediately. By the time they were done with Bingo, he was actually bouncing off the walls. Neutered when sick with CIRDC, ACC killed him on day 21.
Yasuke [239742]: 1 year old; killed January 10. Yasuke, a volunteer says, was an “affectionate cuddlebug.” Yasuke had “expressive eyes and a smile that lights up his whole face! He’s friendly, smart, and radiates happy energy. He can be enthusiastic on leash, but he listens well to sit and down cues and is very treat-motivated. When I spent time with him, Yasuke was wiggly, affectionate, and clearly eager to connect, showing off both his intelligence and his big heart.”
Adopted from ACC, he was back four days later as a stray. Whose fault is that? Yasuke, they said, had “poor kennel presence,” whatever that means. Given no grace, he was killed on day 26.
Bushdog [243516]: 1 year old; killed January 10. Cute Bushdog, just a puppy, was “very affectionate, loves rubs, stays by you,” said his human. Soft and wiggly in the shelter, he was consistently easily leashed and would happily sit for treats. A big personality, they said. His fate seemed to be determined by a reported bite incident at home that did not break skin, not anything he did in the shelter. ACC neutered Bushdog, then killed on day 28.
Ally [244105]: 3 years old; killed January 12. Ally’s family loved her so much but when they become homeless they had to go to a shelter. Ally did, too, but hers was a kill shelter. Ally’s human said, “She is friendly, loving, always wants to cuddle and play.“ She also loved bath time, car rides, and running around. Smart, they said, she knew her commands.
She could be anxious, avoiding strangers and dogs. Surrounded by both in the shelter, Ally struggled and ACC heavily sedated her. Outside and on walks, she was able to relax and show herself to be the smart, social pup she was. Still, they killed 3-year-old Ally just 23 days after she arrived.
Walter [244573]: 6 years old; killed January 12. ACC killed Walter after just 14 days. They made no video, making him their target, and harder for him to get a home. He was a scared stray dog. Sometimes he growled (fear?) and sometimes he wagged his tail (hope?) That’s called communicating in dog language. Did they listen? The “compassion for every animal” ACC “care center” gave this cute pup no chance, no love, no time.
Biscuit [240934]: 2 years old; killed January 12. Biscuit was a boy with a worried face. He was dropped off anonymously at a police station. “Transported to the shelter in a crate, he was hunched at the front with a low head, his ears tucked away, and his eyes big with worry,” a volunteer said. “Friendly when taken out of his crate, he grew worried again when put into a kennel ... He seems to love toys and brings them over and even engages in a bit of tug with us! And though he wasn’t enthusiastic about being petted, he stuck close by and I could see him being the ultimate snuggle buddy on a better day in a real home.”
Staff said he’s “energetic, curious, and social with staff. He can be reactive around other dogs and nervous in new situations, but he enjoys attention and will happily engage in play and enrichment activities.” As time went on, Biscuit “shows a wiggly playful side with people he trusts,” is “affectionate and eager to engage” and get this, a “love bug.” ACC killed this love bug after two months.
Knightly [244079]: 2 years old; killed January 13. If there was ever a dog unequipped to be thrust into a chaotic shelter, Knightly was it. He was abandoned by his owner because he grew too big — 62 pounds. Owner said Knightly never went outside, never met another dog.
Knightly was 2 years old and on intake he was trembling and shaking so much he could barely walk. ACC didn’t give him help or training to ease his fears, even though he showed signs this was possible. He leaned in for pets from the handlers he trusted. ACC didn’t give him time; they killed Knightly after just 13 days.
Amira [235701]: 4 years old; killed January 13. Amira “tried to lick everyone in the room” during her medical intake exam. Amira, a staff member said, was “affectionate and social with people — wiggly, eager for attention and always ready to engage.” Returned four days after being adopted because she was too “high energy,” Amira struggled with going back to life confined to a small kennel. They gave her the triple cocktail of drugs, Trazodone, Gabapentin and Clonidine and killed her after five weeks.
Baby Bleu [243608]: 4 years old; killed January 14. They titled Baby Bleu’s video “Sweet Angel.” He is now. A stray, he came in with a wagging tail, seeking attention, super social. Needed diagnostics for a possible vestibular system issue. No surprise, he didn’t get it. Instead, ACC killed him after 32 days. Leash biting was the “crime.”
Bella Rose [244060]: 10 months old; killed January 17. Bouncy Bella Rose was just 10 months old when ACC killed her, 28 days after intake. Her family, who loved her very much, was also in a shelter. Bella Rose was very active and playful, used to taking several one-hour walks each day. They don’t get that in the “shelter.” High energy puppies need activities; instead Bella Rose was dosed with the triple cocktail of human-grade sedatives (Gabapentin, Trazodone and Clonidine), then poisoned her to death.
Tony the Tiger [244974]: 3 years old; killed January 18. ACC killed Tony the Tiger after just 14 days. Tony’s human lost their home and left him at the police station. Tony came to ACC hopeful, friendly, seeking attention but nervous and easily startled. Leashed with ease, he was eager to get out of his kennel. He wasn’t there long enough for anyone to know much about him except that he loved tennis balls.
Mack Moose [243564]: 2 years old; killed January 18. Mack Moose, a stray found tied up, had multiple scars in different stages of healing to his head and neck. Despite trauma, Mack was a sweet social pup. “Mack Moose certainly knows how to ham it up for the camera and we were able to capture his adorable self in no time,” says a volunteer, he “flops at our feet multiple times demanding belly rubs. Our videos are filled with exclamations of ‘I love you’ and he’s so cute and Mack is truly a delight.”
Adopted briefly — described by them as social and affectionate — Mack returned to the NYC kill pound still social and wiggly, but given no mercy. ACC killed Mack Moose on day 23.
Brie [242359]: 2 years old; killed January 18. Staff said stray Brie was “a friendly, wiggly, girl who seeks affection and enjoys being around her people.” Brie was adopted and returned three days later because she was very sick with CIRDC. Sad Brie, back in a pop up crate, let down by “her people,” began to struggle and was killed on day 21.
Kyrie [243864]: 2 years old; killed January 18. Still very much a puppy, said Kyrie’s owner, who surrendered him because he was too active. Said to be playful, protective, and loving, Kyrie spent most of his time in a crate in the living room, despite not doing well while crated. He didn’t get much attention at ACC either — very sparse notes, too many drugs. They killed handsome Kyrie on day 21.
Telanovela [244271]: 2 years old; killed January 18. Cute Telanovela, a stray, was very fearful at first, but with time warmed up and showed off his exuberant side, jumping high for hugs. ACC didn’t like that. Dosed heavily with Trazodone and Gabapentin on intake, ACC veterinary staff later added Clonidine to Telanovela’s compliance cocktail before killing this blue-eyed boy on day 26.
Caesar [244308]: 3 years old; killed January 18. Left alone with a toddler, Caesar bit; his human didn’t know what happened. Caesar came into ACC relaxed with a wagging tail, though underweight. Barely-there “enrichment” notes all show him in the kennel, neutral with a wagging tail. Did he ever leave his kennel? No notes to indicate he did. Did ACC give him care? Assess the situation? No notes suggest they did. Instead, ACC killed Caesar on day 27.
Hoss [244718]: 4 years old; killed January 19. Surrendered to and adopted from ACC three years ago, Hoss came back as a stray. Like on the previous intake, he was very affectionate and wiggly, earning the best possible behavior rating. His video shows what a sweet and loving boy he was. His previous guardian said Hoss loved snuggling and tug of war. ACC exterminated Hoss on day 19 because he needed coaxing to leave and return to his kennel. Non-compliance at the “care center” will not be tolerated.
Daniels [230323]: 4 years old; killed January 19. The landlord kicked 69-lbs Daniels out, ending his perfect life with his family, which included kids and dogs. Daniels loved balls, bones, and running. Very social, active, and playful, said his human. “High arousal,” said ACC, “Jumping on handlers with no manners.” Bad manners don’t precipitate training at ACC. Like so many perfectly normal behaviors, they get you drugged into a stupor prior to death by poisoning. ACC killed family pet Daniels after six weeks.
Parsley Boy [244137]: 2 years old; killed January 20. A volunteer said, “He’s perfect in so many ways! If Parsley had a thought bubble over his head it would likely read, ‘Whatcha doin?’ He’s interested in everyone and everything in the sweetest way, absolutely engaged in the world and at peace with the creatures in it.” Other volunteers praised him as a “gentle hugger.”
A staff member wrote, “After spending weeks in a pop-up crate along a crowded hallway, this sweet, young pup has recently been noted to be increasingly stressed in care.” He was biting at the lock. ACC killed 2-year-old Parsley Boy on day 31.
Paige [241756]: 4 years old; killed January 21. Paige’s owner tied her to the “shelter” gate and drove away. A volunteer said, “This worried girl makes me ache. Paige cries softly as we interact with her, vigilantly looking around to study every sound … Toys brighten her spirits and show us the puppy within this 4-year-old girl — she chases and jumps and plays and momentarily forgets her worries until she remembers them again, of course.”
A staff member said, “She is curious and alert, but can became anxious…” Fear is a no-no at NYC ACC, where they killed Paige after two months.
Tron [244639]: 3 years old; killed January 21. Tron was with his new family for only one month. They said he was friendly, playful, and protective. He spent most of his time in a crate in the living room where an “intense altercation” — one of several it seems — between family members caused Tron, just 43 pounds, to bust out of the crate and nip one of them. This hero dog became a victim when his humans surrendered him to ACC, which killed Tron on day 22.
Nelson [244532]: 5 years old; killed January 22. Police showed up at Nelson’s house in response to a 911 call about a domestic dispute and Nelson took the opportunity to escape through the front door. In the commotion of trying to secure him, he bit a police officer and was brought to ACC, trembling in the back of a cage.
Nelson was shut down and very afraid at ACC. Worse, he caught CIRDC due to ever-present unsanitary conditions. Despite — or, more likely, due to — his traumatic background and obvious fear, sparse ACC notes don’t indicate the “care center” gave him the care he desperately needed. Instead, ACC killed poor Nelson on day 24.
Winston [242834]: 2 years old; killed January 22. ACC labeled Winston “high arousal.” A volunteer seemed to think differently; they said, “During my time with Winston, he was really engaged with me … took treats gently and enjoyed chasing toys. He wasn’t overly excited and stayed content. He’s a social, friendly, wiggly, smart boy and I hope someone sees how special he is and gives him the second chance he deserves.” Given a high dose of the ACC human-grade compliance cocktail — Trazodone, Gabapentin and Clonidine — Winston didn’t get that chance. ACC killed him after seven weeks.
Ivory [243136]: 2 years old; killed January 26. Ivory, a stray, was fearful on intake, but relaxed during medical. This sweet girl struggled at ACC, surrounded by dogs who made her fearful. When staff noted increasing arousal, they put her on Clonidine. Weeks later, noting high leash reactivity, ACC veterinary staff dosed Ivory with Trazodone. That was the day they chose to spay her. Because she was not acclimating to Hell, ACC killed Ivory three weeks after surgery, seven weeks after arrival.
Blu [242365]: 1 year old; killed January 26. Blu was surrendered after the landlord kicked him out. His human said he was very playful and affectionate. A staff member agreed, saying, “He’s a bright, energetic young dog who can be sweet and wiggly with people he trusts — on walks he’ll check in, solicit pets, and happily engage with his handler.” In short, Blu was an adorable exuberant puppy, for which ACC killed him on day 34.
Colby [229986]: 2 years old; killed January 26. High-energy Colby was brought into ACC after an eviction. He was adopted by seniors, but returned because they couldn’t keep up with his desire to play all day. They said, “Play is his strongest impulse. If he does not get enough attention, he will steal your shoe or a cushion, or something he knows you want and tease you to chase him. It’s his favorite game.
“Colby has a very affectionate nature,” they said, “and he’s very smart. He loves to cuddle and craves contact.”
Volunteers agreed. Colby, they said, “is social and affectionate with people, especially his favorite handlers. He loves attention, leans in for pets, and responds beautifully to soft praise and encouragement.” An “exuberant” pup, he’s a “lively energetic boy with lots of pep in his step … He so enjoys cuddling with you on the bench in the backyard.”
His “very affectionate nature” didn’t save him. ACC killed Colby after three-and-a-half months.
Tyson [243756]: 3 years old; killed January 27. Tyson, kicked out by the landlord, came to ACC “friendly but scared.” His human said Tyson was shy of strangers, playful and friendly with visitors. Tyson grew anxious when left alone, and he was very alone in the shelter. Still, a volunteer said, “Tyson was very sweet overall. He knows sit, paw, loves treats, and he gently jumped and hugged staff, and enjoyed getting pet. A total snuggler.” ACC exterminated family pet Tyson on day 34.
Grandpa Joe [242287]: 9 years old; killed January 27. Grandpa Joe was found tied to a bench. Volunteers titled Grandpa Joe’s videos “sweet soul” & “9yo young.” Social and always eager to get out of his kennel, not happy to go back in, all Grandpa Joe needed was love, a home, and lots of butt scratches. Unfortunately, ACC gives seniors little care and no quarter. Grandpa Joe frequently didn’t feel well. He had gastrointestinal issues that caused vomiting. He wasn’t happy in the chaotic, cacophonous ACC environment. For that, ACC killed Grandpa Joe on day 38.
Justice [244305]: 1 year old; killed January 29. Justice was dropped off at the police station on Christmas Eve. He was all wags during the dog/dog meet, but timid and stressed by spending so much time in a hallway pop-up crate. A volunteer said, “Shy, skinny, not feeling that well, but such an absolutely lovely pup … Gentle, cuddly, affectionate, Justice is so lovely and will be even more so, once he feels a bit better.” ACC named him Justice but gave him none. Because he was “leash reactive,” ACC killed Justice on day 36.
Cosmo [244479]: 3 years old; killed January 30. Found abandoned on a rooftop, big beautiful 90-pound Cosmo came to ACC “friendly” and won best behavior on intake. He loved toys and treats and snuggling. Occasionally anxious, but not aggressive. ACC exterminated Cosmo on day 33 for biting his leash and kennel bars.
Makael [245764]: 3 years old; killed January 30. Gorgeous Makael’s human loved how “very loyal, protective and gentle he [could] be once trusting.” They described him as quiet, independent, and playful. He allowed his humans to bathe him. Terrified at ACC, the “shelter” gave him no help, no time to decompress, to trust. Rather, ACC gave him one photo and zero chances, exterminating Makael after 12 days.
Builder [245373]: 3 years old; killed January 31. Scared, shy strays need time to decompress. Builder didn’t get that at ACC. He learned to trust familiar handlers and cooperated with everything asked of him, but that wasn’t good enough. ACC killed the sweet, skinny boy with the worried eyes on day 21.
Cioccolata [242736]: 6 years old; killed January 31. Volunteers said Cioccolata’s favorite place to be was your lap. Her “crime” was a common one, especially for a stray: she was not a fan of the other dogs. Still, Cioccolata came in loose, wiggly, and social, and stayed that way. “The sweetest,” volunteers said time and time again. ACC killed Cioccolata after two months.
Honey [239893]: 3 years old; killed January 31. Her human was very ill and Honey, blind in one eye, was grieving and scared. A volunteer said, “This girl was a slow burn, revealing herself slowly but surely as we sat together in the yard. Undoubtedly fearful, at first she spent time waiting by the exit hoping to leave. Her right eye is cloudy and we were cautioned not to catch her by surprise. As always, time and patience yielded us some glimpses into her personality. She leaned her head into our hands to have her cheeks rubbed, and tilted for my silly noises with her bunny ears at full attention. She gently won us over, and I think we did the same.”
Honey came in with her sister, Sugar [239892], who was fostered and made available for adoption. When asked about behavior concerns, Honey’s human said, “None, my dog is the best!” Honey loved chewy and squeaky toys, and bath time. ACC killed Honey after three months.
Summit [235909]: 6 years old; killed January 31. After five months, 75-pound Summit was the second longest stay at ACC.
“What a fabulous pup,” said a volunteer, “so friendly and curious with lots of happy energy. He’s a big sniffer with his nose always to the ground, inspecting everything. But Summit’s a big mush, too, who the staff love to treat specially with the biggest squeaky toy they can find.“
Said an ACC staff member: “He’s a goofy, enthusiastic dog who loves carrying toys or blankets, soaking up belly rubs and leaning in for affection! He’s strong, curious, and happiest when he’s exploring or playing with his people.”
“Long-stay dogs feel like family,” another volunteer said. “Seeing [Summit kill-listed] breaks our hearts.”
ACC kills family. The “shelter” exterminated Summit on day 150.
