Editor’s note: Beginning with the June 2026 report, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani manipulated ACC kill data to omit “silent kills,” which account for nearly half of ACC victims. The data manipulation began after The Scoop New York reported five consecutive months of increases in ACC killings on Mamdani’s watch, compared to the final year of the Eric Adams administration. The Scoop New York is weighing options to compel the Mamdani administration to release complete ACC kill data to New Yorkers.
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 June 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
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 June 2026 outcome data
CATS KILLED THIS MONTH: UNKNOWN
CATS KILLED THIS YEAR: UNKNOWN
DOGS KILLED THIS MONTH: UNKNOWN
DOGS KILLED THIS YEAR: UNKNOWN
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
KJ [252350]: 12 years old; died June 1. KJ was surrendered by his family of 12 years after they lost their home. A low maintenance couch potato, they said. Also an independent little pup, KJ did not like being picked up. That made it hard to be at ACC and KJ landed on the At Risk list. But he had a foster and rescue organization ready to pick him up. He was sick while there, had diarrhea and on May 22 was diagnosed with CIRDC. Sadly, he died on his 23rd day at ACC, presumably of CIRDC, before the rescue arrived to to transport him to his new home.
Cattleya [253323]: 6 years old; killed June 4. Volunteers described Cattleya as sweet and gentle.
One said she was a “great leash walk, no pulling and stayed right beside me. She has a mellow, quiet, slow-paced demeanor and takes treats very gently.” Another, responding to a report that she was very dog reactive, wrote, “In the backyard, she noticed another dog in the next pen and showed a mid-to-high wagging tail, but was easily redirected with treats and verbal cues. Overall, she was very easy to handle, calm, and chill, with lower energy during our interaction.”
Three days before they killed her, ACC wrote, ”Cattleya walks slowly with handler outside and passes people/dogs without issue. She approaches handler with a soft body soliciting pets under the chin and licks handler gently while being pet.“ Her photo shows sad eyes and a worried face. She was also in pain.
Cattleya, a stray, came to ACC with an ear infection so severe that she cried when they touched her ears. Although she received some treatment, it never resolved.
Instead, ACC killed Cattleya on day 37.
Mr Wiggles [254604]: 2 years old; killed June 4. Mr Wiggles, a stray, came to ACC in full wiggle mode. He was highly social and spent his time soliciting full-body pets.
Exuberance is not always welcome at ACC. He didn’t like the rope leash, although once he was out of the kennel and away from all the dogs, he relaxed and became his wagging and wiggly self.
By June 2 he was no longer wiggling. ACC reported that he was lethargic and coughing on his walk. Probably CIRDC, but there are no notes indicating whether he received medical care.
Instead, he was killed two days later, on day 20, his spirit broken.
Sage [250999]: 3 years old; killed June 4. A volunteer said of Sage, “He’s a beautiful pup, but I quickly realize he’s much more than just his good looks … Sage is making the most of a less-than-ideal situation. Although he’s been living in a crate in an overflow room since he arrived in late March, he hasn’t let it break his spirit: He’s always ready to go on long walks (he’s been militantly housebroken), to play in the yard, and enjoy the small respites from his small living quarters. He’s a happy soul with a vibrant personality, eager to connect with us and rest his paws on our lap.”
Sage was found with another dog, Cedar, who was placed with a rescue organization. The police said they were friendly when they picked them up. ACC noted that Sage was nervous at first but quickly became very affectionate with staff.
ACC tested Sage with a fake dog and decided his behavior was “concerning.” Yet their notes reveal only two incidents of concern around real dogs, once when Sage pulled toward another dog and was able to be redirected, and another when he saw a barking dog on the street and began barking himself and pulled toward that dog. For that infraction, he was labeled a “solo pet,” making it harder to find him a home.
ACC neutered Sage in May and killed him on day 66.
Colby [255611]: 5 weeks old; killed June 5. Colby was one of a litter of kittens, several of which tested positive for panleukopenia and declined rapidly while in care.
ACC wrote, “Colby has had a finicky appetite while in care and is now showing signs of an upper respiratory infection. Colby needs continued monitoring and feedings during the panleukopenia quarantine period that are beyond that scope of what’s possible in care. Colby needs more care than we can provide.”
On intake, ACC described Colby as friendly, with high energy, climbing on the handler. Rather than treat his illness, ACC killed him on day nine.
“Lizzy,” formerly Starbright [230214]: 2 years old; died June 5. Lizzy, a volunteer said, could be apprehensive but was always adorable.
On their first meeting, “Lizzy greets me warmly and crouches down, cat-like, as she approaches me for a quick, reassuring pet.” Later they said, “We took such a lovely walk together this Friday afternoon before her dinner. Lizzy is 2, so easy on a leash walk and very responsive to her handler, always looking up and checking in. She may welcome a quick pet or two or ten when she feels like it; she’ll let you know. She’s almost catlike that way. Lizzy loves treats and, especially, squeaky toys in her kennel upon her return. I find her to be very friendly and sweet.”
Another volunteer wrote, “Outside of the kennel, Lizzy is easy on leash, friendly, playful, and VERY affectionate. She will roll over for belly rubs, lean into your lap for snuggles, and melt right into you. She is gentle, loving, and so easy to fall for. A snuggle queen for sure.”
Lizzy had been at the shelter before, and on this occasion, after 51 days, she almost made it out of there. She found a foster. Every Last One Rescue wrote, “Yesterday, Lizzy left the shelter happy, bright eyed, and full of life as she began her journey to foster care with us. We watched the video of her departure and sobbed, knowing what would happen just hours later.
“During transport, her wonderful driver stopped and made routine checks, as he does with every dog. Lizzy appeared happy during the first two stops. On the third, just 15 minutes from her foster home, she was hyperventilating and unable to stand. The driver immediately stopped transport, contacted vet services, and stayed by her side. This speaks to how much people cared about her, the driver broke protocol and brought Lizzy into the front seat to comfort her.
“Because that’s love. His quick actions gave Lizzy every possible chance and ensured she did not suffer without help …
“At 6:25 PM we received the call no rescue ever wants to get. Lizzy did not make it. Veterinarians reported uncontrollable seizures and significant internal bleeding in her GI and brain. At this time, it is believed she may have succumbed to rodenticide poisoning, and a full investigation is underway.
“Just an hour earlier, Lizzy had pranced out of the shelter filled with the contagious joy she shared with everyone she met. We are still in a state of shock and devastated that she never got the chance to experience the life waiting for her.”
Nectar [255096]: 5 years old; killed June 6. Nectar, a stray, was very afraid, hiding at the back of his kennel and afraid of being leashed.
He was trying to cooperate, started going out on walks and didn’t react to other dogs.
Just days before they killed him on day 17, Nectar had become brave enough to solicit pets, give paw, and in his quiet way, bask in their attention.
ACC killed Nectar anyway.
Thor [253690]: 12 years old; killed June 6. Thor, a stray, was much loved. “His thin hair, long nails, and worn body made it clear he has been through a lot and was not properly cared for,” a volunteer wrote. “Thor is also noted to have alopecia, an umbilical hernia, and pyoderma. Before his photo shoot, we gave Thor a bath. He was SO sweet and relaxed, allowing us to gently wash and wipe his whole body. After his bath, he seemed to loosen up even more and showed us just how friendly and gentle he is. Thor walks beautifully on a loose leash, knows many cues, and takes treats so softly. He was attentive, curious, and eager to engage throughout our interaction.”
Another volunteer pleaded for a foster. “Here’s a slam dunk chance to turn heartache into happiness, with the real winner being you! Come get Thor, a senior who has stolen the hearts of volunteers and staff alike for his sweet, gentle, and endlessly loving nature (he even liked it when we bathed him!) Thor walks beautifully on a leash, knows all his commands, adores treats, and cherishes people. Please, won’t you consider helping this wonderful creature? He will thank you endlessly, but you will thank yourself even more for giving yourself the gift of Thor.”
Inexplicably, ACC killed the gentle senior pup Thor on day 34.
Buddy [248284]: 7 years old; killed June 6. While at ACC Buddy went on a straycation, and the person who hosted him is no doubt the best word on Buddy. They said, “From our very first Uber ride from the adoption centre he wanted belly rubs in the car! When we got to my apartment he made himself at home with ease; was excited and delighted to find I had tennis balls ready for him. He slept in his own bed all night with no whining or anxiety, went to his bed while I did chores, watched me wfh then indoor cycle, never touched my plants and didn’t bother me once while I ate a ham sandwich as he sat beside me on the sofa — a perfect house guest!
“Speaking of the sofa: this guy LOVES to sidle up beside you, tuck in under your arm like a warm snuggly arm rest, he really gets his naps in! When I came back from my 10x minute coffee run, he greeted me like I had been away for 10x years — he bounced around the room and ran over for more pets. This is an affection motivated boy, he loves chest rubs even more than snacks or toys. Buddy was the perfect Straycation guest, everything went well … Buddy is a sweet, mature and independent guy but will follow you to the end of the earth (or just to the kitchen for a snack run). Buddy has the puppy energy when playing, follows you like a guard dog and his goal in life is just to hang out with you and be best friends!”
For seven years, Buddy had a family that included a kid, another dog, and a cat. At ACC they introduced Buddy to a fake dog, and he didn’t do well. The fake dog test, debunked by many, seems to have sealed his fate.
Buddy did become tense around other dogs but didn’t engage. Still, they said Buddy should be a solo pet, making it harder for him to find a home.
On intake, Buddy was friendly, loose, and wiggly, affectionate with staff and remained that way.
ACC neutered Buddy in March and killed him on day 85.
Karma [252476]: 2 years old; killed June 6. Karma’s family, which included kids, lost their home. Her human said she was shy, gentle around children, social and friendly with familiar dogs. A loyal family dog, she loved belly rubs.
A volunteer said, “We take Karma out and she’s absolutely oozing with sweetness. She is nervous and wary of her surroundings, but slowly comes to us for some comfort in the form of treats. She rests her big head on our hands, giving her neck a rest from holding it up. Her tail is tucked, and her body is a bit too skinny for our liking — we can see her bones. She has almost a brown merle coat, with stunning eyes.”
Karma was never put on the “at-risk” list, so she didn’t have a group of networkers working non-stop to help find her a home. Because she was not on the list, we also don’t have access to notes on her time at ACC.
Karma was put “on hold” on May 26, which meant she was no longer listed for foster or adoption. When a networker inquired about Karma on June 2, ACC said she was being reclaimed.
They lied. Two days later came a kill command.
ACC killed Karma on day 40.
Surfer [254928]: 5 years old; killed June 7. Surfer, a stray stuck in a crowded kennel surrounded by barking dogs, still had hope in his heart.
On intake he was social with handlers, leaning in for pets. During his few weeks at ACC, Surfer sat for treats, was easily leashed and did well on walks, although he couldn’t bear going back inside after.
ACC killed Surfer on day 20.
Sunkissed Glow [255922]: 10 years old; killed June 7. Sunkissed Glow was killed seven days after she was found on the street.
She seems to have been available for adoption on June 5, then suddenly given a kill command and exterminated the next day, a silent kill.
Silverina [255058]: 9 years old; killed June 7. Silverina, found May 21 and killed 17 days later, was never listed for foster or adoption.
A silent kill, she was never given a chance to find a home.
“Diamond” [250451]: 2 years old; killed June 8. “Diamond is a once in a lifetime girl,” said a volunteer. “She is a wiggly monster, silly and social, playing and cuddling with us despite the heat. We put her in a chicken outfit, but she’s a bit too much of a wiggle worm to really show it off. I personally love all of Diamond’s loose skin around her face. It gives her expressive forehead wrinkles and jowls I want to take a nap under. She’s a bit of a bull in a china shop — but the joy she brings to life is electric. Diamond is the type of girl you would get matching ‘best friends forever’ necklaces with.”
Diamond’s human passed away and Diamond, two other dogs, and a cat all ended up at ACC. ACC changed her name from Rajah to Diamond. You can only hope the volunteers whispered “Rajah” in her ear.
As time went by, Diamond became increasingly reactive to the dogs at ACC. Given the fake dog test, she pounced, proving nothing, many behaviorists say, but a strike against her at ACC.
ACC spayed Diamond in April and killed her on day 77.
Hughie [252454]: 3 years old; killed June 10. “Hughie exudes sweetness,” a volunteer said. “He initiates cuddling and leans into us for petting. He wasn’t always this way though, he arrived to the shelter quite scared and wary of most handlers.”
Hughie, a stray, was underweight on intake, with bleeding broken nails, and issues with his eyes, which were never diagnosed or treated.
“Through time, though,” the volunteer continued, “he’s warmed up nicely. He loves to offer his paw and when we aren’t paying attention to him, he waves it in front of us to get to put the focus back on him.”
ACC killed Hughie on day 53.
Mangu [254054]: 1 year old; killed June 10. A volunteer wrote, “Mangu was found on the lower East Side, hiding in fear in the park. His finder kept him until she could no longer care for him, at which point he was brought to ACC. Mangu has been understandably nervous with all his life changes recently, but is a gentle, sweet boy. He is calm, but doesn’t take much interest in treats right now, but when he gets a toy his whole face lights up. Mangu zooms and jumps, and clearly toys are the way to his heart.”
A video of Mangu shows just how thrilled he was by toys.
ACC killed Mangu on day 33.
Mambo [255386]: age unknown; killed June 10. Mambo was found on May 26 and never listed for foster or adoption, a silent kill.
He was found collapsed in his kennel, 15 days after he arrived. ACC listed the following issues: anorexia, tetraparesis, severe jaundice, anemia, suspect seizure.
Surely, those issues didn’t suddenly appear. Was he being treated? Why wasn’t he placed on the priority list for rescue?
Given New York City officials’ longstanding refusal to reform their kill pound in any way, we’ll probably never know.
Hamburglar [251043]: 2 years old; killed June 11. ACC described Hamburglar as “a stray with a big personality and even bigger heart.” Once he gets to know someone, “He becomes very affectionate and excited to interact, often seeking attention and wanting to be close to his handler.”
ACC listed him as available for adoption. For reasons unknown, they later issued a kill command without first placing him on the “at-risk” [of being killed by ACC] list, which would have given rescue organizations and networkers, the opportunity to find him a home. It would have also made his records available to the public.
Instead, ACC killed Hamburglar on day 70, another silent kill.
Couch Surfer [251916]: 1 year old; killed June 12. Couch Surfer was an exuberant puppy. ACC said during his medical exam he was relaxed, very wiggly, and jumped a lot; “he’s just so high energy and doesn’t know any manners yet.”
Couch Surfer was “kennel-reactive.” Frustrated by being locked up, he was known to bite the lock, thinking perhaps he might bust himself out, but remained cooperative.
There’s no evidence in ACC’s notes that they tried to teach him better manners or find additional outlets for his exuberance.
Instead, ACC killed Couch Surfer on day 62.
Selkie [255988]: 5 years old; killed June 12. Selkie, a Siberian husky, arrived at ACC a stray, trembling with fear and pancaking when being returned to his kennel.
Once outside, Selkie ignored passersby and dogs, but after walks lasting only a few minutes balked at being returned to his kennel.
He was right to be afraid. Instead of helping him, the “shelter” killed Selkie 13 days after he was found tied up at a park.
Canela [255598]: 2 years old; killed June 13. On intake, Canela, a stray, showed off her wiggles to all, and was happy and friendly during her medical exam. She loved people, but not the dogs there.
Within a few days, she was nervous and whimpering. They didn’t make a video or seemingly pay much attention to Canela at all.
Like many dogs at ACC, Canela caught CIRDC. ACC killed her on day 17, after making her sick and before she could get better.
Junior [253451]: 1 year old; killed June 13. At just 35 pounds when found tied up on May 22, Junior was underweight. He was briefly listed for rescue, but ACC staffers decided he shouldn’t have a chance to find a home.
ACC put Junior on kill command and exterminated him the next day, day 23.
Because he was a silent kill, never put on the at-risk list, ACC hid Junior’s notes from the public.
Chulo [254388]: 1 year old; killed June 13. Found in a cemetery on May 13, Chulo was brought to ACC by the police. Briefly listed for rescue, he was then put on hold.
Denied a chance to find a home, ACC killed him on day 32. Because Chulo was a silent kill, ACC concealed his records from New Yorkers.
Nina [228511]: 4 years old; killed June 13. A volunteer writes, “Nina has been in and out of the shelter a few times since she arrived in June last year [2025]. She was reclaimed quickly, and came back just as fast. She went to foster for a few months, came back and was reclaimed at the last moment when she was set to be euthanized.” After being reclaimed, Nina returned to ACC in early May, when her owner was arrested.
Nina’s foster wrote that she was a “sweetheart who strikes the perfect balance between playful and cozy. She enjoys her walks and will happily trot along, but her true passion is curling up on the couch for a good nap or snuggle session. She’s also a big fan of people-watching — give her a balcony or a window and she’ll happily hang out, watching the world go by like it’s her favorite show.
“She’s been known to fall asleep flat on her back with her paws in the air and snore like she owns the place! On walks, Nina lies down when she sees other dogs because she really wants to say hello. She’s non-reactive and has shown nothing but friendliness so far …
“Nina isn’t a fan of the crate — but she doesn’t need one! She’s quiet, gentle, and non-destructive when left to relax freely. One of her sweetest quirks is ‘corncobbing’ and gently sucking on her blanket or stuffed animal to self-soothe — she never destroys them, just cuddles and comforts herself … If you’re looking for a loving, goofy, low-maintenance companion with a heart of gold, Nina might just be your perfect match.”
ACC killed sweet Nina, enrolled in their “Shelter Scholar” program, on day 40.
T’Challa [255120]: 7 years old; killed June 13. ACC killed T’Challa on day 23 because they said he needed better manners. He was mouthy and easily aroused. He was also easily leashed and did well on walks.
Cute T’Challa had been found as a stray and spent some time with his finder — how long they don’t say. There, he got into a conflict with the resident dog and bit the finder’s finger when they were being separated.
Unwitnessed accounts such as these are a handy excuse to kill dogs fast. Not that ACC needs excuses, thanks to indifferent NYC elected officials.
Mello [255500]: 2 years old; killed June 14. Mello’s human passed away and he was taken to ACC where he was so scared he peed on himself. Often trembling or frozen with fear, never growling or defensive, he was slowly beginning to trust people.
Mello’s real breakthrough came when he was introduced to another dog on June 7. When he came out of his shell and got brave and bouncy, the handlers supervising the dogs at play cried.
ACC killed Mello a week later, on day 18.
Spud [252206]: 1 year old; killed June 16. At 10 months old, Spud was dropped off at a police station by someone who provided no information about him.
A volunteer said, “This little potato is Spud and though he’s the same color as a tater, his puppy body still hasn’t filled out like one. And all puppy he is: sweet, playful and loaded with fun.”
Given a day outside the shelter, his Boroughbreak buddy said, “Spud is the sweetest boy! I don’t think his tail stopped wagging once the entire BoroughBreak. He is a big ball of puppy energy and a stick finder extraordinaire and while he may still need to brush up on his manners (jumping/being a bit mouthy) you can tell he has so much love to give and will be so devoted to whoever his lucky people are! Spud was also great on the leash for the most part. He only pulled when he got a bit too excited about a dog or person, and he checked in with us often (though sometimes with the help of some treats!). He is so curious and playful, you can’t help but smile when you’re around him.”
Spud, ACC wrote, “is an energetic, expressive boy who shows a big personality and a lot of enthusiasm for life. In calmer moments, he is eager for attention, checks in with his handler, and clearly enjoys being part of what is going on around him.”
ACC killed “highly social” Spud on day 63, citing their often-used excuse of leash biting, and claiming he attempted to bite another dog.
“Diane” [255831]: 3 years old; killed June 16. Diane, fka Bella, was adopted from ACC last summer and came back as a stray, wearing a prong collar.
On intake she was tense but showed interest in the squeaky toys. Fearful when being leashed, once out of her kennel she became loose and wiggly and leaned in for pets from familiar handlers.
Conflicted by fear and a desire for human contact, Diane needed time to decompress.
Like so much else, time to decompress is beyond the city kill pound’s capabilities. ACC killed Diane on day 17.
Charlotte [253896]: 4 years old; killed June 16. Charlotte was shy and fearful, but a volunteer said, “When I meet Charlotte she is on the lap of another volunteer in the yard. I see her tail wagging as I come in, and she hops off to greet me. Charlotte has a secret, and it’s her fantastic ears! I spend most of our time together making silly noises, trying to get them to pop up and reveal themselves. They are as tall as the rest of her face …
“I don’t see much of her fearful side when we meet. I see the side of her that clings to our bodies even on one of the hottest days we’ve ever had. She takes breaks to run around the yard after toys, panting in the heat before settling back at our feet to get her belly rubbed.”
When Charlotte was found, the person reported she was afraid of the police, so the finder took her in for a night. Calm in their presence, they noted she was fearful of their father.
ACC killed Charlotte on day 41.
Goku [245540]: 4 years old; killed June 18. Goku came to ACC in January, an underweight stray with a wound between his eyes that kept reopening.
They neutered him in March. In May he collapsed while walking, was unresponsive and urinated on himself; it was his second collapse while at ACC. They didn’t determine the cause but placed a “seizure watch” flag on his kennel and a few days later added Gabapentin to the sedatives Trazodone and Clonidine they were already giving him.
An ACC staff member writes, “A volunteer describes Goku as quietly endearing, especially noting his soft, expressive ‘puppy dog eyes’ that immediately draw people in. One of his standard behaviors is how clearly he learns routines, particularly offering his paw with precision to the first person who rewards him. Despite arriving scared and overwhelmed from multiple transitions, he has started to show moments of trust and connection with familiar handlers. Volunteers note that beneath his initial worry, there is a sweet, observant dog who is beginning to enjoy human interaction and is ready to continue blossoming in a stable home.”
After failing to place him for nearly half a year, ACC put Goku on the “at-risk” list for “shelter deterioration,” stating that he was licking the kennel wall and glass and barking and jumping at the kennel doors. “Handlers have also needed to use distractions when leashing Goku due to leash biting,” they wrote.
ACC exterminated Goku on day 157. On the day they killed him, Goku was still listed as adoptable and in good health. Like so many ACC victims, he was killed for space.
Knock Knock [250519]: 1 year old; killed June 18. Knock Knock lived happily with four children before he was surrendered to ACC at 10 months old because he was fearful of strangers. Very afraid on intake, Knock Knock soon became social with most handlers and loved playing with other dogs at ACC.
They wrote, “Knock Knock lives up to his name because when he is excited, he is basically ‘knocking’ at life with his whole body, ready to play, ready to greet and always ready to say hello first.”
Loose and wiggly, easily leashed, and an “easy walk” on the streets, puppy Knock Knock was destroyed on day 82.
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.
Dr. Robin Brennen’s ACC vet team exterminated 9-year-old Autumn after a week, without offering her for adoption or fostering — another silent kill.
Nomel [254427]: 3 years old; killed June 20. Nomel, a stray found tied up, was said by a volunteer to be a “gentle soul” who tried to give paw when receiving a treat, sometimes missed but tried again.
At ACC he was afraid and “skittish outside but easy to walk,” not reactive to people or other dogs. He did well on his dog/dog greet at ACC.
ACC killed Nomel on day 38, without declaring him “at-risk” or giving him a chance to be networked and find a home.
Ranch Dressin [250790]: 3 years old; killed June 21. Ranch Dressin, found abandoned near a U-Haul 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. But 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. 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 just 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, making her a spay-neuter-kill victim.
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. ACC had him neutered in March, a day after starting him on Trazodone for fearful behavior.
ACC killed Bayne on day 98, another spay-neuter-kill.
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 made sure he wasn’t there long, killing 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 being afraid, 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 puppy Beaver on day 56 for barking and jumping at his kennel door and being mouthy. In other words, ACC exterminated him for the crime of being a puppy.
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 there, but because of an accidental bite to one of the workers who 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, ACC will use it.
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.”
Ill-equipped, unable or unwilling to give her the supportive care she needed at the shelter, ACC 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. Another ACC victim 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 wiggle-butt 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 homes 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 five 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 five 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 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.
Which is just how Mayor Mamdani and Speaker Menin want it.
