March 2026
Names and images of cats and dogs exterminated by Animal Care Centers of New York City in March 2026.
About NYC ACC KILLS memoriam posts
Like most New York City officials, including Mayor Zohran Mamdani, NYC ACC staff as a rule do not respond to queries from The Scoop New York. Information in NYC ACC KILLS memoriam posts, therefore, is drawn from reader tips and the ACC “at-risk outcomes” list.
As evidenced by its monthly and annual outcome data reports, ACC kills far more cats and dogs than appear on the at-risk list. ACC exterminates many healthy and adoptable cats and dogs without first offering them for adoption. Victims of this ACC practice are known among advocates as “silent kills.”
ACC will often spay or neuter a cat or dog only to exterminate her or him during recovery, or soon after. This practice is known as “spay-neuter-kill.”
Known silent kills and spay-neuter-kill victims are identified as such by NYC ACC KILLS.
Since cats are underrepresented on ACC’s “at-risk outcomes” list, they are also underrepresented here.
Due to gaps in NYC ACC record-keeping and general everyday malfeasance, 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 or stories of cats and dogs exterminated 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, though many are incorrect, nonsensical or hateful. 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.
The chief ACC veterinarian is Dr. Robin Brennen.
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 March 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
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 March 2026 outcome data
CATS KILLED THIS MONTH: 104
DOGS KILLED THIS MONTH: 167
CATS KILLED THIS YEAR: 323
DOGS KILLED THIS YEAR: 435
Note that ACC omits from its “euthanasia” totals owner-surrendered animals who were exterminated without being offered for adoption. Placement rates reported by ACC do not include such cats and dogs, but they are counted among the dead by TSNY.
Animals whom ACC classifies as “died in care” or “lost in care” are named and counted by TSNY, among the cats and dogs ACC are known to have destroyed with intent.
In memoriam
CATS
Though ACC reported 104 exterminations in March, the “at-risk outcomes” list showed no cat killings. NYC ACC KILLS will update this post as information becomes available.
DOGS
Boogie Woogie [245844]: 3 years old; killed March 1.
Boogie Woogie, a stray, was not a hyper pup. ACC staff said he was “a calm, curious fellow who enjoys quiet moments and gentle attention — a mellow companion.” The only time he lived up to his name was when he’d see a visitor approaching. He would stand at his kennel door “so excited to see a visitor that he goes into a full body wag before he presses up against the kennel bars for additional scratches!”
During his gate greeting with another dog, he was relaxed and waggy. The only time he didn’t want to cooperate was when he was being returned to the kennel.
So what happened? After several weeks in the “shelter,” ACC said Boogie Woogie began deteriorating, hyper-salivating and spinning in his kennel, so they put him on Trazadone and neutered him.
More drugs followed. Eighteen days after neutering him, ACC killed Boogie Woogie on day 43 — another spay-neuter-kill victim.
Tamarindo [248161]: 2 years old; killed March 2.
Tamarindo was a very scared underweight stray, given no chances. Vocal in his kennel and sick while at ACC, he bit his tongue being muscled back into his kennel. His notes record that his tongue was bleeding, but there was no record of any treatment or care.
ACC took one photo, didn’t make a video. Tamarindo never had a chance. Dr. Robin Brennen’s vet team killed him on day nine.
Mike [240530]: 3 years old; killed March 2.
Found in an abandoned building with another dog, shy Mike was the rare dog who did well in dog playgroup. ACC allowed Mike’s owner to reclaim the other dog, leaving Mike behind and also leaving no information about him.
“Mike has been a consummate gentleman,” said a volunteer. “He is easy to walk, quickly shows off his best ‘give paw’ and ‘down’ and is becoming a volunteer favorite. The only time he tends to act a bit uncouth is when treats are involved and he turns into a bit of a gremlin!”
During the time he was at ACC, Mike steadily lost weight, dropping from 83 pounds to 70. After 3 months, they finally tested him positive for giardia. Neutered in December, ACC killed Mike on day 124.
Chulo [241254]: 3 years old; killed March 3.
Chulo, an underweight stray, was scared on arrival but adjusted to shelter life quickly and became a volunteer favorite. “When I first met him, his soulful, slightly sad eyes instantly tugged at my heart,” said a volunteer. “This sweet three-year-old boy is friendly and affectionate, always eager to please and be close to his person. He loves leaning his whole body against your leg for extra snuggles, soaking up every bit of affection he can get.
“One volunteer refers to Chulo as her ‘crush’ and it’s easy to see why! This dreamboat is so easygoing; he’s great on a leash and is just so happy to be in the company of a friendly person who loves snuggling as much as he does. He will eagerly show off his tricks (not only ‘sit’ and ‘paw’ but ‘other paw!’) in exchange for belly rubs. It’s all a win/win with Chulo! We adore him.”
ACC had Chulo neutered in December and killed the pup volunteers adored on day 116.
Super [247901]: age unknown; killed March 3.
Found February 18, ACC killed Super two weeks later. A silent kill, he was never made available for foster or adoption.
Sapphire [248132]: 2 years old; killed March 4.
Sapphire, a stray, was intensely fearful and had just started wagging her tail and learning to trust a handler when ACC killed her on day 12.
She didn’t want to be touched, but she did take toys and wag her tail when they were offered.
For most of her time at ACC, Sapphire had diarrhea, which became severe in the last few days of her short life.
Guinness [247879]: 2 years old; killed March 4.
“Friendly but nervous” during intake, Guinness, a stray who came in with another dog, did well in his dog/dog meet. But he soon grew fearful at ACC, seeking exit in rooms and not wanting to go back into his kennel, normal behaviors for which ACC will mark a dog for “behavior” — ACC-speak for “nuisance.”
ACC never made a video of Guinness and took only one photo. When he began leash biting, that seems to have been the (ridiculous) impetus to kill Guinness on day 14.
“Jambalaya” [246391]: 2 years old; killed March 4.
Jambalaya, an affectionate couch potato, lost her family, which included another dog and two cats, due to housing. She also lost her name. Her family called her Yeezy, ACC changed it to Jambalaya.
Her family said Yeezy was a very loving, protective dog, but could take some time to warm up to new people, and that’s just what happened at ACC. She became consistently social, loose and wiggly, and really loved playing fetch.
Put on death row for “behavior,” the only reason cited is that she growled on intake and barked at staff. ACC killed Yeezy on day 36.
Fox [217837]: 4 years old; killed March 6.
“In a way it can feel silly that a nearly 70 pound dog is so scared, but it’s true,” said a volunteer. “Fox is a big boy and based on what we know, he may not have had the easiest life. This is his second time at the shelter, and while he was reclaimed last time, this time he’s back as a stray and there doesn’t seem to be anyone coming back for him again.
“Fox has been too scared to interact much at the shelter, but we give it a try anyway. Offers of sausages and toys go rebuffed, but time does its trick and slowly he makes his way over to us to watch the world from our feet. He scans nervously, never quite relaxing, but stays right near us. Eventually he launches himself into my lap, rests his enormous head on my shoulder and into the crook of my arm. It’s hard not to feel honored when you win the trust of a shy, handsome boy like Fox.”
Fox was fearful but he never showed any signs of defensive aggression. He came to ACC with another dog, Tyson [217836], with whom he was bonded. Staff recommended housing them within sight of each other but Robin Brennen’s vet team killed Tyson on day 14, a silent kill.
They killed Fox on day 30.
Daisy [248655]: 12 years old; killed March 6.
Found on March 1, Brennen and company exterminated emaciated senior Daisy five days later — a silent kill, whom ACC never tried to place with a foster or adopter.
Capone [247790]: 4 years old; killed March 6.
Capone came to ACC after spending a month with a caregiver. They said Capone had been bitten by a dog previously and therefore didn’t like being around other dogs. He was dog-reactive at ACC, but on one occasion he was able to greet a dog at the gate with a loose body and wagging tail, until he then began to whimper.
In the short time he was at ACC, Capone was fearful, anxious when alone in his kennel but super social and wiggly once he got to know staff. A volunteer said, “We met Capone for the first time yesterday. While he took his stress out productively by chewing up a toy, we marveled at how cute he was each time he glanced our way while working. When he was done with his toy, he came to say hi, much more relaxed. I can see Capone has some trouble sitting and moving well, in spite of being a gorgeous, young boy. He flashes his beautiful smile at us between bites of snacks and showing us he knows how to give paw on cue.”
ACC killed Capone on day 18.
Taffy [245980]: 5 years old; killed March 6.
A volunteer said, “We meet Taffy on a bitterly cold day. The sidewalks are full of snow and she is reluctant to walk. Eventually, she slowly makes her way to the yard where we are waiting for lots of cuddles. We try to keep her as warm as possible, but she is clearly having a hard time. Taffy came to us when she was found tied up with wounds on her head.
“A good Samaritan brought her into the police station, where she was brought to us. Since then, Taffy has been dealing with a bad case of pneumonia. She has been uncomfortable, prefers to not leave her kennel and often is not eating. We try our best to offer a little bit of comfort and love, and Taffy tries to be a good sport, leaning into us, but she is clearly a girl not made for the winter NYC is throwing us this year.”
On intake Taffy was timid and trembling but trusting and affectionate despite the wounds on the back of her head and between her eyes. Staff at ACC wrote that Taffy was a “clever and enthusiastic pup,” enrolled in their Shelter Scholar program, eager to learn new skills and making good progress.
After all she went through and survived, Robin Brennen’s vet team killed Taffy on day 45.
Ezekiel [249015]: age unknown; killed March 7.
Found on March 6, Ezekiel was killed the next day — a silent kill.
Nacho [244581]: 2 years old; killed March 8.
A volunteer said Nacho, an underweight stray, had “been living in a pop-up crate since he arrived. Nacho has been so good and so patient, but he is starting to get stressed, wondering why no one sees what a good, sweet boy he is and how playful. Nacho truly is an absolute sweetheart.”
ACC staff agreed, writing that Nacho with his “tail wagging constantly [was] gentle and a total snuggle bug … eager to please and ready to learn.”
Loose and wiggly, easily leashed, both gentle and, at times, exuberant, Nacho was neutered in February and killed on day 69 — another spay-neuter-kill victim.
Vulcan [245267]: 10 years old; killed March 8.
Happy and vibrant when out of her kennel, Vulcan seemed far younger than her 10 years as she pranced with joy and a goofy grin in the play yard. Her extraordinary hippity hop dance can be seen on her video above.
Vulcan arrived at ACC a fearful stray, but soon got her bearings and sought attention and affection from staff. She never lost her fear of other dogs while there but was so eager to bond and play with staff.
ACC killed Vulcan on day 59.
Laura Lee [249002]: age unknown; killed March 8.
Laura Lee was found on March 5 and killed three days later with no attempt to find her a foster or adopter. Another silent kill.
Triton [248516]: 3 years old; killed March 9.
Oh-so handsome Triton, an underweight stray, was killed by ACC on day 10.
Brought in by police, terrified, Triton never got a chance. Did they try to help him recover from his fear? There were notes for only three days while he was at ACC. If they tried, they didn’t bother to make note of it.
Bulldoser [245095]: 4 years old; killed March 9.
Bulldoser (inexplicably with an “s” not a “z”) came to ACC as a stray and spent some time in foster. His former foster wrote, “Hi world, I’m Bulldoser! I’m a goofy pup who loves to cuddle and play. Let’s play fetch, a little tug of war and then cuddle together! I know what I want and will let you know when cuddling and pets are done (sidenote, they are never done). I’m also an expert napper! I’m looking for someone who will rub my belly, fill it with treats and throw my ball. Then I’m the happiest and goofiest pup of all.“
Staff at ACC wrote that Bulldoser was “playful and cute, with a friendly, curious nature.” A volunteer said, he “lives up to his name, cute, funny and strong.“ He loved belly rubs and squeaky toys, liked to walk with a ball in his mouth, and wasn’t happy to share space with other dogs.
ACC killed Bulldoser on day 56.
Tennessee [248214]: 2 years old; killed March 10.
Tennessee’s owner, who bought her as a puppy, didn’t take her outside, claiming at 65 pounds that Tennessee was too big. Tennessee lived with a cat but didn’t socialize with other dogs. They had the police bring Tennessee to ACC, where the poor pup arrived understandably fearful and frozen.
Tennessee remained mostly fearful during her short time at ACC, but she sought comfort from a handler she trusted and seemed to want to make a dog friend, becoming wiggly and tail wagging when she spied a dog in another pen.
Given no time, Tennessee never had the chance to develop the skills a dog needs to survive ACC. Team Brennen killed Tennessee on day 16.
Goldie [248997]: 8 years old; killed March 10.
Goldie entered ACC on March 3 as a stray and was killed a week later, a silent kill. ACC reported that Goldie was having seizures and was believed to have cancer. If there’s one thing the “care center” won’t abide, it’s a sick dog.
Diamond Princess [244447]: 9 years old; killed March 11.
Diamond Princess was given to her human six months before they surrendered her due to an illness that made them unable to care for her. They said, she’s “playful like a kid,” will play with any toy given to her but particularly likes to steal socks to play tug of war. An affectionate and happy pup, she liked to give kisses and also to dance.
Diamond Princess did well at ACC, noted to be gentle, social, and cooperative. Like her human, Diamond Princess was also sick, had chronic respiratory and ear issues as well as mammary masses that needed to be diagnosed. Instead, ACC killed her on day 56.
Betty Boy [245484]: 4 years old; killed on March 12.
Betty Boy, a volunteer said, “is the wiggliest boy in all the land. His butt wiggle knows no bounds. He is a young, active, and social boy who is a bit of firecracker … Betty Boy loves to play, jump, and run. He throws his toys himself and chases them across the yard, play bowing and wagging his tail.”
Betty Boy, a stray, did well in his dog/dog greet, offering play bows, but became more dog reactive over time.
Neutered in February, ACC killed the irrepressible Betty Boy on day 60, another spay-neuter-kill victim.
Winks [236938]: 9 years old; killed March 13.
Winks’ human was also without a home. Volunteers loved Winks as much as his human did.
One volunteer said, “Winks is the cutest little warlock we’ve ever seen and we find out quickly how he got his name. Both eyes head in opposite directions giving him excellent peripheral vision, though we aren’t sure if he’ll ever be able to make direct eye contact with you. Maybe that’s how he puts his spells on people, because it only takes a few minutes for us to be bewitched by him! He offers us his paw, rolls over for belly rubs (and a glorious belly he has!) and gets a bit vocal when we aren’t giving him treats fast enough. And when it’s time to go back inside, he lays down and frogs his legs out in protest. Whatever voodoo he is using is working, because we are totally smitten with Winks!”
Anther volunteer who took him out of the shelter on a break said “I wanted to give him the best/longest boroughbreak ever and I can see that he loved every single bit of it. Winks stole my heart and my sweater.”
His day out of the shelter, on video above, captures a perfect day for Winks. Loved by volunteers, affectionate and fun, Winks (also a Shelter Scholar) became one of ACC’s few long-term stays; there for 27 weeks before deciding his time was up.
Doctor Kevin [248792]: 1 year old; killed March 13.
The police who found year-old puppy Doctor Kevin said he was social and easily entered their car. On intake he was reported to be wiggly and social with staff.
On his third day at ACC, Brennen and company put him on Trazodone for screeching, after which he became very dog-reactive. Surely ACC vets know Trazodone can have the opposite effect, causing aggression?
Five day later, ACC killed Doctor Kevin, who was, despite the name they gave him, still a puppy. He had been there 11 days.
Totoro [248428]: 3 years old; killed March 13.
Totoro, a stray, didn’t like being caged. When outside of her kennel she proved to be a sweet and playful girl who patiently waited for treats, gave paw, and took them gently. What she really didn’t want to do was go back to her cage.
When dogs passed by her kennel, she was terrified and reactive. Given Gabapentin and Trazodone, which wasn’t helping her stress and was possibly increasing it, ACC killed beautiful Totoro on day 16. The picture above is the only one they bothered to take.
Washington Denim [248988]: 2 years old; killed March 14.
A stray, Washington Denim was gorgeous, vocal and very scared. Social with a handler he trusted, but bouncing off his kennel walls, freaked out by other dogs.
At ACC, dogs like Washington Denim rarely get the time they need to decompress, or even a video that would help them attract a foster.
ACC killed Washington Denim on day 10.
Maximite [248434]: 1 year old; killed March 14.
While out on a walk, Maximite slipped his leash and ran up to another dog to play; the dog became defensive and a fight ensued. Both dogs bit but the other dog didn’t have any broken skin. Maximite, however, had puncture wounds and also was stabbed by the other dog’s owner with a knife.
At home, Maximite lived happily with kids and another dog. An affectionate puppy, he was known to be friendly to all, including strangers. His family surrendered him because of a landlord issue.
At ACC, Maximite was a terrified puppy, trembling and flinching, who so clearly no longer felt safe in the world. Unlike almost every dog there, he was relieved after walks to be back in his kennel. He never showed any signs of agression at ACC but bizarrely, ACC wrote, “Maximite was involved in an incident where he bite [sic] and held another dog, but did not break skin. However, this behavior is likely to continue as it has become part of Maximite’s repertoire, and will need careful management to work toward reducing triggers for Maximite and reducing the resulting bites.”
With irresponsible descriptions like that, it would be difficult for Maximite to find a home. But it didn’t matter; ACC didn’t give him time to find one. The good Dr. Brennen and company killed Maximite on day 17.
Hendrix [248957]: 2 years old; killed March 14.
Cute Hendrix, a stray, was killed day 11. Why? For tugging and biting at his leash. That was his crime. Four days before ACC killed Hendrix — the last day for which they have notes — it was reported that he was lethargic. There are no medical notes about examining or treating him. Too many sedatives? CIRDC? At ACC, both are likely answers.
Smoke [247283]: 3 years old; killed March 14.
Smoke wasn’t happy being around the other dogs at ACC and judging by the many scars that criss-cross his handsome face, who could blame him?
In his home, Smoke lived with another dog. They were friendly and playful with each other, according to the owner, but on walks would frequently “go at each other.” Smoke, his owner said, was friendly, outgoing, and playful; he lived with three kids.
Surrendered to ACC because of his owner’s health, Smoke arrived underweight and with an ear infection. On intake, he allowed all handling for exams, was social and sought attention. Video at ACC shows a sad boy with his stuffy. ACC killed Smoke on day 32 for being dog-reactive.
Toffee [246964]: 3 years old; killed March 15.
Toffee, a stray, was afraid at ACC, mostly of the other dogs.
A volunteer said, “before we meet him, we are told he’s a nervous boy who hasn’t been comfortable being touched too much. So in spite of that truly irresistible, sweet, wrinkly browed face, we are hands off with Toffee and let him choose how he’d like to interact. He enjoys our treats, and takes his new stuffed purple octopus for a walk around the yard as emotional support as he checks out the space. As he walks we get a clue as to why he may be so uncomfortable — his gait is off, each limb moving atypically. Perhaps he’s not feeling too great, and I hope wherever he lands can help him get the help he needs to feel more comfortable.
“In the end our hands-off approach is winning. Toffee climbs a lap to check us out, and as he gets more brave he paws the air towards me for a treat. When I take a seat he comes to find me and sits his butt right on my feet, leaning in for contact. I just about melt — winning the trust of this doe-eyed boy, even for a short while, is heaven.”
Most happy in quiet spaces, Toffee was killed day 39.
Clyde [244000]: 5 years old; killed March 15.
Clyde’s owner left him at a police station, saying they could no longer care for him. A volunteer wrote: “When we first met Clyde he had only been in the shelter for a few days. Shy and nervous, he planted himself next to me for cuddles the moment I sat down. He was quiet, but happy to take some snacks and comfort.
“I’m pleased to report that version of Clyde is a distant memory. This past weekend he came roaring into an adjoining yard with his big personality. He ran around with his big floppy body and popped his big nose through the small hole in the door like it was a drive through window — he was fed his snackies.”
Clyde, underweight with a body score of 3/9, was neutered the week of his arrival, a risky procedure for underweight dogs. Clyde was timid but according to ACC, “highly social with staff.”
By the time ACC killed Clyde on day 88, ACC had him on so many sedatives he was drooling and covered with poop, diarrhea being just one of the side effects of the human-grade drugs in Dr. Brennen’s “behavior” kit.
Benny [238223]: 5 years old; killed March 16.
Super sweet Benny melted hearts at ACC, a volunteer said, “standing up with his paws spread up against the door, his big adorable face looking out, hoping for an extra walk.”
Benny arrived at ACC an injured stray with cruciate ligament ruptures and some scarring and lameness in his hind limbs, which didn’t affect his love of the play yard, “where he starts off with some zoomies, thrilled for a break … He happily chases after the toy I toss, giving it a play-bow and doing a brief run with it.
“But what Benny finds even more fun and interesting is exploring the yard —where he slowly examines every inch with his nose, taking in all the information left by previous dogs. I offer him another toy and then some treats, but he’s just too absorbed in his ‘reading’ of all these new, exciting scents. Then suddenly, something captures his attention — another dog walking by! Benny runs over to the gate, hoists himself up on his hind legs, and watches with great curiosity (sometimes with his tail wagging) as the other pup goes by until completely out of sight. He then returns to his job as Smell-lock Holmes … until another dog appears.“
As time went on, exuberant Benny became more stressed by life confined to a kennel. He never lost his social nature, but with few chances to interact with people and get outside to play, he was noted by the end of his time at ACC to to sit in his kennel fixated on his own reflection on the door. ACC neutered Benny in January and killed him on day 167.
Dolo [199297]: age unknown; killed March 16.
Dolo, fka Rico, found in Far Rockaway on March 10, was killed six days later, a silent kill. Dolo was sent straight to kill command with no information about him. ACC never wanted to place him, just kill him.
Dolo was also found alone in 2024 in Manhattan, and ACC used the exact same photo. Why bother, with a dog immediately marked for death? In that lost and found record Dolo was listed as four years old.
Choco Pie [228381]: 4 years old; killed March 17.
Choco Pie first entered ACC as a stray in May 2025. Since then he spent most of his time in foster care. He had three fosters; shuffling from home to home must have been stressful for him, as his separation anxiety proved to be an issue in finding a permanent home.
One of his fosters wrote, “Just like his name, Choco Pie is all sweetness with a marshmallowy center. He’s a total lovebug who wants nothing more than to be by your side — especially if you’re handing out chest rubs. Taking a break from work? Great, he’s already there, giving you those big eyes that say, ‘Is it cuddle o’clock yet?’ He’s a pro on the leash (with the occasional detour when an interesting smell crosses his path), but overall, he’s got that walk game down. Plop yourself on the floor, and Choco Pie will politely trot over and sit like a gentleman, just close enough to make sure you notice how soft his head and chest are. Within seconds, all decorum vanishes — flop! — he’s on his back, legs in the air, inviting you to pets on his chest, sides, squishy neck folds, and under his chin. Also, you will definitely want to. He’s brave and confident when you’re around, but being alone still makes him a little anxious. He’s working on it, though, and with some patience and gentle training, he’ll learn to be more confident and independent.“
Not surprisingly, Choco Pie never fully got over his separation anxiety. Returned to ACC for the last time, he loved to greet handlers when he was out on a walk or in the play yard. Still, ACC killed him — a dog that staff, volunteers, and networkers had been working for so long to help find the place in the world he deserved.
A video above shows Choco Pie’s best days, free to play in the park with other dogs, swimming in a creek, spending time in a home, cuddling and enjoying the love every dog’s life should include.
Poppa [247087]: 6 years old; killed March 17.
Kicked out by the landlord, Poppa’s human said he was a “loving guy looking for his new cuddle buddy — he loves to sleep all together.” Though scared by loud noises and strangers, and nervous with people at first, Poppa did relatively well at ACC. A “certified good boy,” a volunteer said.
On intake, Poppa was very scared, and never completely relaxed, but he was cooperative, easily leashed, wagged his tail in the play yard, leaned in for pets.
That wasn’t good enough for ACC; they killed Poppa on day 40.
Foreign [232021]: 3 years old; killed March 19.
In March, ACC killed many of their long-term stays — and Shelter Scholars. Foreign was killed on day 145. When Foreign’s family surrendered her to ACC, they said, “When you’re feeling lonely or stressed, Foreign will recognize that and administer cuddles or play time to help distract you from your thoughts.”
A volunteer agreed; they wrote, “Each time I meet with her she must sense some stress because she’s full of endless kisses that no doubt help erase it away. She often gets into my lap and is content to just hang out in the yard.”
Foreign was unlucky, surrendered due to housing issues twice since July 2025, both times ending up at ACC. As a Shelter Scholar, Foreign was learning to overcome on-leash reactivity to other dogs. Doing well, ACC said. But like several other Shelter Scholars this month, killed just the same.
Big Kahuna [245760]: 2 years old; killed March 20.
Big Kahuna, a not so big 48 pound pup, did have “a big personality and plenty of charm” according to ACC. Smart also.
A volunteer said he had “lots of energy and sweetness.” They noted he was “often on high alert outside on our street walks. This feels like kennel stress to m e— so understandable in this overcrowded, noisy place — as Big K starts to relax a bit and gets calmer the longer we walk. Long street walks seem to be the hot ticket with this sweet, anxious guy.”
Easily leashed, wiggly and wagging, occasionally shy, Big Kahuna was neutered at the end of January and killed on day 64.
Chestnut [244644]: 5 years old; killed March 21.
At ACC, Chestnut spent some time in foster care, where, according to her foster, she was “an absolute dream … She adores cuddles and will happily snuggle up with you any chance she gets, especially when she’s cozy in her favorite jammies. She picked up loose-leash walking incredibly quickly and is a joy to take out for strolls. In the home, she’s been a perfect houseguest: no accidents, no chewing or getting into things, and no reactivity. She’s gentle, well-mannered, and ready to bring comfort, love, and lots of snuggles to her next home.”
Returned from foster care, Chestnut spent most of her time at ACC in a small pop-up crate at Queens, a poorly-designed ACC death house that has been overcrowded from day one. Imagine the shock.
In her crate, pulling the cover off, moving the crate by pawing, Chestnut tried to get their attention. When finally taken out, toe tapping, wiggling and whining a bit, Chestnut began leash biting — one way to communicate her frustration.
Another spay-neuter-kill victim, Chestnut was altered on March 1, heavily sedated with Gabapentin shortly after, and killed on the 21st.
Mia [249949]: 14 years old; killed March 22.
Tiny, scared senior pup Mia was found on March 18 and killed four days later. A silent kill, given no chance to find a home.
Walter [245556]: 4 years old; killed March 23.
Walter sang for his life and still, ACC killed him on day 61.
A volunteer said, “One of our favorite things to do is discover the hidden talents of the dogs we meet. Give paw? Sit pretty? Our most beloved cue is definitely roll over. But occasionally, we uncover a truly unique gift, one that knocks us off of our feet, and with Walter that was inadvertently finding out he could sing! A mere squeak of the toy sent him into flurry of howling, pursed lips, nose aimed toward the sky, AWOOOO! The most stunning baritone we’ve ever heard! And when we give him our best alto note, he matches is a perfect harmony. How did he ever acquire such a musical genius and why hasn’t he been adopted yet?!”
You can hear Walter sing in the video above.
Walter, a stray, they continued “was found tied to workout equipment in an outdoor park. He was initially so scared and fractious but started to calm down with baby talk. Throughout his over 50-day stay thus far, Walter has greeted people with a wiggly body and been social.”
Apparently not appreciating Walter’s musical genius or the brand ambassador possibilities, ACC wrote that Walter was “highly social and is very vocal with staff and volunteers.” Then they killed him.
Panini [249922]: age unknown; killed March 23.
Panini was killed six days after he was found, a silent kill. ACC never tried to find him a foster or adopter.
Hunter [248545]: 1 year old; killed March 25.
Hunter’s human gave him up because they were also moving into a shelter.
Hunter, they said, was friendly to all, including other dogs, very affectionate, and loved to cuddle. On ACC intake, they noted that Hunter was very sweet and friendly, seeking pets and sitting on command.
The fake hand they used in testing “behavior” tripped up Hunter. He bit and ACC doesn’t like that, despite the test being widely considered to prove absolutely nothing. He also humped the fake dog. A no-no?
Given lots of sedatives, puppy Hunter, utterly defeated (as you can see in his photo) was killed on day 28.
Rio [249707]: 4 years old; killed March 26.
Rio was a pup traumatized by loss. His main caregiver left the home and Rio’s walks went from twice a day, to once a day, to a few times a week. His owner wonders why his behavior changed?
They weren’t specific on that change, other than he no longer enjoyed being bathed, was fearful of loud noises, and would growl when disturbed while sleeping or startled. His family didn’t bring him to ACC; they had him dragged out with a control pole.
ACC gave Rio no chances. They made notes on him for only one day and killed him on day 12.
Cozy [248475]: 2 years old; killed March 26.
At ACC, Cozy, a stray, was easily leashed, checked in on walks, sat for treats, allowed petting, liked laps, and was easily returned to kennel. Why kill her? Because she bit a dog in her finder’s home?
As happens all too often, Dr. Brennen’s black-hoods killed Cozy on day 28 for “behavior” that they didn’t witness, and that didn’t take place at ACC.
Godzilla [248919]: 7 months old; killed March 26.
ACC killed 7-month-old puppy Godzilla on day 10. Godzilla’s human said he was shy, friendly, and affectionate with all. On intake, ACC agreed, writing that Godzilla was “shy but so friendly and outgoing with counselors.”
ACC killed Godzilla because he “has been seen hiding behind known staff and in the back of his kenne l… He has grabbed a staff member’s finger during handling, causing redness without breaking skin.” Goodness, killing a puppy for being mouthy? For hiding? What kind of school for behavior training did ACC staff go to? What kind of vet would go along with it?
ACC made notes on Godzilla for just two days while he was there. He was scared and biting the leash. They did nothing to help a shy sweet puppy who had just lost his home and family.
Magneto [248301]: 4 years old; killed March 27.
Magneto was left in a subway station with a muzzle on. The police reported that “he didn’t display any aggression and seemed happy to engage with humans.”
“When we met him,” said a volunteer, “we knew by his chill demeanor that he would be a good candidate to play a little dress up! Not surprisingly, he let us put a leprechaun hat and beard on him, and even though he looked utterly ridiculous he was incredibly cute and unphased by the get up! Thankfully for Magneto, though, he doesn’t need a costume and is incredibly handsome on his own. He is gentle and sweet and despite whatever his past was, still a joyful guy.”
ACC killed Magneto for kennel reactivity — whatever made-up “behavior” problem that is — on day 31.
Levania [247897]: 2 years old; killed March 27.
Levania, a scared stray, was eager for affection. So ACC, of course, denied it.
“Reported by staff via the whiteboard that Levania is soliciting pets, leaning body into handler, but noted that Levania was not petted during the interaction.”
ACC killed Levania on day 38 because she was reactive to the dogs there.
Willow Luna [249074]: 4 years old; killed March 27.
Willow Luna’s family lost their home, that family having taken her in from a person who also lost their home.
She lived happily with kids, did well at ACC in her dog/dog greet, was social, wiggly, easily leashed, and cooperative — with one exception: she did not want to return to her kennel.
Brennen and company killed gentle Willow Luna on day 22 for being “highly anxious.”
Papa Smurf [248279]: 5 years old; killed March 27.
Papa Smurf, abandoned by his family, entered ACC trembling, with a baseball-sized swollen area on his neck, a wound to his ear, overgrown nails, and inflamed paws.
Papa Smurf then contracted CIRDC — a cruel rite of passage at the unsanitary, poorly-managed “shelter.”
“Papa Smurf may be a big boy, but he’s also a scared one,” a volunteer wrote. “He’s 72 lbs and was found as a stray. He was loose and wiggly until he was placed in a crate for transport to ACC, which he was scared to be in. He crouched in the back of it, whale eyeing, trembling, and low growling. I can understand his fear, it feels only natural.
“When we meet him, we can see his apprehension about us too. We try to win him over with sausages and toys, but he’s not swayed easily. He does love a good butt scritching though, and stomps his hind legs when we do! His skin is a mess and I’m sure it feels good to be scratched.”
Scheduled to be neutered, his kennel cough saved him from that unnecessary procedure. ACC killed Papa Smurf on day 32.
Lola [247295]: 6 months old; killed March 28.
Via ACC: “It’s not often that we fawn over puppies, but our videos of 6-month-old Lola are filled with accolades. ‘She’s sooooo cute ... Those ears!! That pouty mouth,’ said a volunteer. And throughout our time with us, she stuck close, in our lap or snuggling her face on our shoulder. Though Lola has been overwhelmed and scared at the shelter, with us she was sweet and loving and all of the things you’d expect from a puppy.
Lola was surrendered when her senior owner could no longer properly care for her. She was described as a friendly and affectionate dog who did well with strangers and children. She can hide from dogs she doesn’t know. During gate greets at the shelter she has had mixed reactions to novel dogs.”
Consistently social, wiggly and “very affectionate” with handlers despite being overwhelmed and scared, ACC killed Lola on day 31 because she was reactive to other dogs.
Zeus [249329]: 6 years old; killed March 28.
Zeus was at ACC twice, first as a stray who was reclaimed and this time, seized from an apartment. His owner described him as playful, full of joy, and also very smart.
Fearful at first, Zeus soon was licking faces and leaning in for butt rubs. Didn’t matter. ACC killed him on day 19.
“Tiny Thimble” [250162]: 5 years old; killed March 29.
She may have been 5 years old but her human, who lost their home, said she was really a baby and loved to cuddle.
Although shy and avoidant of new situations, Tiny — that was her real name, which ACC purposely, vindictively made stupid — happily lived with kids. At ACC, she was terrified, trembling and hiding in the back of her kennel. Her photo says it all: Get me out of here!
Instead, ACC killed Tiny on day nine.
