The Scoop New York is an indie non-profit web site and newsletter covering the movement for a true no-kill New York, from BUF to BK.
We take names. We step on toes. We bring receipts.
NYC ACC KILLS, published by TSNY, enumerates and memorializes adoptable cats and dogs who were nonetheless exterminated by Animal Care Centers of New York City.
Every week, NYC ACC KILLS subscribers receive The Weekly Carnage: bios, photos and videos of adoptable cats and dogs known to be recent ACC victims. Subscribers also get monthly memoriam posts that include ACC data summaries along with an updated compendium of animals whose lives were ended by ACC that month. Videos from current and prior months may also be found on The Scoop New York’s YouTube channel.
For more New York companion animal news, follow NYC ACC KILLS and The Scoop New York on social media.
About NYC ACC KILLS memoriam posts
Like virtually all New York City officials, including Mayor Zohran Mamdani and City Council Speaker Julie Menin, NYC ACC staff as a rule do not respond to uncomfortable questions concerning the kill pound they’re responsible for. Information in NYC ACC KILLS memoriam posts, therefore, is drawn from reader tips, records ACC has chosen or is required to make public, and the ACC “at-risk outcomes” list.
As evidenced by its monthly and annual outcome data reports, ACC kills far more cats and dogs than appear on the at-risk list. ACC exterminates many healthy and adoptable cats and dogs without first offering them for adoption. Victims of this ACC practice are known among advocates as “silent kills.”
Under direction from higher-ups including chief DVM Robin Brennen, ACC will often spay or neuter a cat or dog only to exterminate her or him during recovery, or soon after. This practice is known as “spay-neuter-kill.”
Known silent kills and spay-neuter-kill victims are identified as such by NYC ACC KILLS.
Since cats are underrepresented on ACC’s “at-risk outcomes” list, they are also underrepresented here.
Due to ACC obfuscation and gaps in record-keeping, memoriam posts are, sadly, bound to be incomplete. The Scoop New York continually adds names and images of ACC victims to NYC ACC KILLS as we find them. Follow NYC ACC KILLS and The Scoop New York on social media for updates.
If you’re an NYC ACC networker or volunteer and would like to contribute information on exterminated cats and dogs, or share your experience working with ACC, we want to hear from you. Discretion guaranteed.
A note about names: Many animals come to NYC ACC with unknown histories, including their names. In addition, ACC does not always use the name a cat or dog is accustomed to, even if the agency knows what it is. As a result, many animals exterminated by ACC are never properly identified. Unfortunately, for the most part NYC ACC KILLS has only the names provided by ACC, even if those names are incorrect or nonsensical. ACC-assigned names are presented here without quotation marks unless TSNY can confirm an animal was known by a different name when admitted to ACC.
ACC operates under putative supervision by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, which endorses the publicly-funded killing of healthy and adoptable cats and dogs at will and with impunity.
Though ACC is 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 May 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 May 2026 outcome data
CATS KILLED THIS MONTH: 152
CATS KILLED THIS YEAR: 582
DOGS KILLED THIS MONTH: 168
DOGS KILLED THIS YEAR: 757
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
Merida [253280]: Age unknown; killed during the week of April 26. Merida was found on April 29. ACC killed her a few days later, never offering her for adoption. Another silent kill.
Lark [242110]: 6 years old; killed during the week of April 26. Lark, a stray, entered ACC on November 20. They say his little snorts earned him the nickname Piglet and he had a sweet personality.
Taken in by a foster, at some point recently he was returned to ACC. Instead of looking for a new foster or adopter, ACC killed him. A silent kill.
April [251102]: 9 years old; killed during the week of April 26. Volunteers said senior April was a professional snuggle bunny, loved meeting new people, and always had a plushie with her for comfort.
Like Lark, April was placed in foster and recently returned to ACC. Instead of finding a new foster or adopter, ACC killed her. Like Lark, a silent kill.
Tulip [250471]: 1 year old; killed May 1. “At under 40 pounds, Tulip is about as lap sized as you can get (in our opinion),” said one of the volunteers who loved her. “We dress Tulip up in pajamas, which is fitting for her baby personality. She is sweet, shy and social. She quickly makes her way to a lap, the best place for a pittie in PJs to be. Tulip came in underweight with overgrown nails, but her fur is so so soft [it’s] like she went to a luxury hairdresser.”
Tulip was found wandering in a park when she ran up to another dog and their owner for help. They probably thought they were doing the right thing.
Tulip was highly social with staff and volunteers at ACC, and did well in her dog/dog greet. She loved her toys a bit too much to share them and they were teaching her to drop and trade. She was getting the hang of it.
ACC killed Tulip on day 37 for mouthy behavior and impulse control, things like grabbing a staff’s pants leg for attention. In other words, ACC killed her for being a puppy.
Baby [250135]: 3 years old; killed May 1. Eight dogs were surrendered to ACC by an owner who had terminal cancer. First ACC killed Precious, then Uno, and this week, they killed Baby.
“When we meet Baby, he is a bit shy and aloof,” says a volunteer. “Still, he comes over for petting, wags his tail softly and enjoys all of the treats we have to offer. We see brief glimpses of playfulness when he runs after a ball and retrieves and brings back a stuffy toy. He has the sweetest face, though it’s covered in scars and scabs from a recent scuffle he had with one of his siblings.”
Very sweet, very scared, traumatized by the chaotic removal from his home, Baby tried to rally. He went from trembling and hiding behind handlers and scurrying back into the safety of his kennel when dogs started barking to tentatively beginning to play and appreciating gentle pets. Wasn’t good enough. ACC killed him on day 31.
Nova [251237]: 2 years old; killed May 3. During her medical exam, ACC staff wrote that Nova, a stray: “Leans in for petting, then lays down on [the] floor and falls asleep with belly rubs. Whines when examiner steps away and leans in again when examiner returns.”
ACC spayed Nova just one week before they killed her, which makes you wonder, what did she do in that last week at ACC to make them suddenly decide she had to die? There are no notes to suggest anything happened. Another question: Did they perform a risky spay while she was in heat? They said she was in heat on arrival.
Video of Nova’s exam shows what an extraordinarily trusting pup she was. The medical staff in the room enthused over her, which makes it all the more horrifying that Dr. Robin Brennen’s ACC vet team killed Nova on day 30.
Ashiya [246413]: 2 years old; killed May 3. Ashiya, formerly known as Ashes, lived with a dog and a cat, mostly outside. Her owner said she was fearful of new people. Despite being afraid of strangers, Ashiya was social with handlers at ACC and liked to play fetch/trade games with them.
A volunteer wrote, “This wonderful dog is such a big love: so smart and affectionate, great on a leash and a serious ball player in the backyard. One ball is good, but two are even better (three is an embarrassment of riches, and a bit too much). Ashiya loves to chase them, then ‘trap’ them under the bench and play: her wagging tail says it all.
“She walks beautifully on a leash, pulling only occasionally, is very curious, treat-motivated, responsive to her handler and a quick learner. Ashiya has a happy spirit, seeks your pets and affection in the yard, and is simply lovely. I am perplexed as to why she is still at the shelter after 50 days. Someone, grab this wonderful dog and take her home.”
One nip that didn’t break skin when Ashiya was startled by another dog seems to have landed her on the kill list. ACC had spayed Ashiya shortly after her arrival; they killed her on day 79.
Maple [250509]: 1 year old; killed May 4. Loose and wiggly on intake, Maple, a stray found tied up at Rockaway Beach, sought affection. Staff wrote that he was “friendly, active and people-oriented … often jumping up socially when excited but also has a soft side and enjoys leaning into touch.” Maple lived with his finder for two weeks and they said he was playful and friendly with strangers, kids, and other dogs.
ACC posted this “fun fact” about him: “Maple is a sweet, bouncy boy who brings a lot of joy and personality into a room. Once he’s in your life, things get a little sweeter and a lot more fun.”
Guess they forgot that fact. Maple was one of way too many spay-neuter-kill victims at ACC — one of three in the same week. ACC killed Maple on day 41.
Sugar Peas [251576]: 5 years old; killed May 6. ACC put stray Sugar Peas on their kill list because “he has not acclimated well to the kennel environment.” In the month he was at ACC, he was extremely sick. On intake they noted he was fearful at first, but became friendly and outgoing. His symptoms started the day after he arrived with violent vomiting and bloody diarrhea. He stopped eating, became dehydrated and shocky, collapsed while trying to walk. The second week he had surgery to remove a corn cob from his intestine. Inexplicably, after such an invasive surgery they decided to increase the risk to him by neutering a very sick dog.
During his recovery, the third week, he continued to vomit and have diarrhea. By this point, Sugar Peas had lost a great deal of weight, with muscle loss. Not surprisingly, given his weakened condition, he caught CIRDC. What happened next would be farcical if the outcome wasn’t so tragic. Sugar Peas grabbed hold of a staff member’s shoe and wouldn’t let go. The staff member removed their shoe, but Sugar Peas wouldn’t drop it until he was given chicken as a trade. For this, ACC put him on their at-risk (of “euthanasia”) list, the day he was declared recovered from CIRDC. ACC killed Sugar Peas on day 29.
Asreil [250708]: 1 year old; killed May 7. Upon arrival, ACC’s medical staff wrote that Asreil is a “big sweet boy who just doesn’t know how big he is!” He was an easygoing cooperative pup: easily leashed, did well on walks, checked in with handlers, and got along well with the other dogs there, offering soft greetings and play bows.
“It’s hard to miss Asreil,” a volunteer said. “He’s just a baby, a year old, and already 114 pounds! But it’s all goodwill, sweetness, and leaning in for pets and attention. He’s keeping a smile on his young face, trying to ‘give paw’ when asked, and getting lots of love from the volunteers.”
Another volunteer said Asreil was “such a friendly goof…had the sweetest big-puppy energy … a majestic, special boy.”
A big hunk of puppy love, Asreil got lots of love back from volunteers, but not from ACC, which killed him on day 61.
Roxie [113900]: 6 years old; killed May 7. Roxie, a volunteer said, “brings good girl energy. She is social, silly, and loving. She is on the petite side, under 50 pounds and kind of a little nugget. She is a perfect middle aged lady at 6 years old.”
Roxie had been at ACC twice, first at ACC five years ago as a stray puppy. Roxie’s owner surrendered ACC because her separation anxiety resulted in excessive barking and housing complaints. At ACC, Roxie proved to be great with other dogs, offering play bows and participating in playgroup. She was also social and wiggly with handlers.
ACC killed her, not for anything that happened at the “shelter.” The good Dr. Brennen had her exterminated on day 30 because of “behavior concerns at her previous home,” a bite incident that her human didn’t blame her for.
Japchae [251822]: 5 years old; killed May 7. Japchae, a stray, was very fearful at first, but grew more comfortable with time. He had a bad lingering case of CIRDC and conjunctivitis; Brennen’s vet staff wouldn’t give him meds for his eyes due to behavior. Don’t they have trained vets at ACC?
Living in a pop-up crate isn’t easy and ACC said Japchae wasn’t acclimating, though he was easily leashed, did well on walks, and didn’t react to other dogs.
ACC killed Japchae on day 27.
Sir Wellington [251929]: 2 years old; killed May 7. A volunteer writes that Sir Wellington, a stray, “seems to have drawn the short straw when it comes to kennel location, as this poor guy is stuck in a hallway pop-up crate near the front door. So, I try to check on him and take him out as soon as I get to the shelter.
“I love this guy. He is a happy, energetic walker and a highly professional sniffer. He loves reading all the ‘pee mails’ on the street and is very inclined to send quite a few of his own, lol. Sir Wellington is a gentle soul, very responsive to his handler and readily sits for treats.“
Given too many human-grade sedatives for stress from living in the pop-up crate they confined him to, ACC killed Sir Wellington on day 25.
The volunteer posted: “So deeply, deeply sorry, sweet boy. I know you loved your walks and sniffaris so much. I loved walking with you. RIP, Sir Wellington. Go explore all the parks and fragrant places. Read all the pee mails and take your time sending as many responses as you want. No more pop-up crates, ever.”
Stormy [249747]: 2 years old; killed May 8. Stormy was found wandering the streets with two puppies believed to be hers; the puppies found homes.
“It is always the dogs who don’t let their unfortunate circumstances break their spirit who continue to amaze me,” said a volunteer. “Stormy is one of those dogs. The first time I meet her, shortly after she arrived at the care center, I’m instantly smitten. She has an infectious energy, is eager to connect — and she’s incredibly, astonishingly, ridiculously cute.
“Stormy’s true passion is quickly revealed when we bring her to the yard: toys, toys, and more toys. She flings plushies in the air, runs joyfully with them in tow, and deposits them in our lap as if to say ‘more playing, please.’ She personifies everything dog people love about dogs: pumped to be in the moment, to enjoy the present and the people around her, to gleefully explore her surroundings on walks.”
ACC killed Stormy on day 54.
Juan Pablo [252579]: 2 years old; killed May 8. ACC killed Juan Pablo just nine days after he was found on the street. He was very scared at ACC but found a friend he could trust in one handler.
ACC took two photos, didn’t make a video, never really tried to find a home for him or do what they’re supposed to do: care.
Duckie [249655]: 2 years old; killed May 8. Duckie was found wandering the streets with a broken splint on a leg that proved to have been badly broken and not healing well, causing lameness. At intake he was wiggly, jumping up for attention.
He never stopped seeking attention, enjoying being close to whoever he could find, plopping onto laps, and resting his head on shoulders. On walks he would jump up, lean his paws against the handler’s body and lick their face.
Duckie liked spending time picking the toy he would take on his walk and he really loved to play. He didn’t have many opportunities to do so. On intake, he had been put on “cage rest,” which lasted the whole time he was there (eight weeks) and was heavily sedated to keep him from moving around too much.
All wiggly, wagging Duckie wanted was love and attention; his spirit was broken stuck sedated in a pop-up crate. ACC killed Duckie for leash biting on day 56.
Jax [250700]: 2 years old; killed May 9. When his owner passed out in the street, Jax stayed by his side guarding him and nipped the police officer who came to do a wellness check.
Jax was very afraid at ACC, had a hard time there but was learning to relax. The last notes they wrote about Jax said he was “loose bodied, play-bows and makes soft eye contact with the handler … easily leashed .. loose bodied on sidewalk … takes treats gently … allows petting of head, neck, and torso.” Still, ACC put him on the “at-risk” (of being exterminated by ACC) list.
On April 22, ACC notified the networkers that help place dogs on the at-risk list that Jax was reclaimed; they issued a photo of Jax with his owner. On May 7, networkers were surprised to learn that ACC had just issued a kill command for Jax, claiming that he had never been reclaimed.
For over two weeks, Jax was not listed at ACC, had no profile, no way of anyone knowing he was available for foster, no networkers or rescue organizations working to find Jax a home. ACC killed Jax two days later. What happened, where he was in the last two weeks of his life, we do not know.
Zeus [253023]: 7 years old; killed May 9. Zeus was found on the streets on April 27 and killed 12 days later, a silent kill.
ACC never tried to find him a foster or adopter, never posted any information about him. All we have is his age and his photo — a noble face — from his lost and found record.
Coffee Grounds [251087]: 2 years old; killed May 11. ACC named a young stray dog Coffee Grounds, continuing their long tradition of issuing spiteful and dehumanizing names to stray dogs they are supposed to care for.
ACC wrote, “This girl is a young stray who was found tied to a pole and is now starting a new chapter where she can finally learn what safety and stability feel like. Her past is unknown, but what she shows us today is a dog who is eager to connect with people.”
Coffee Grounds had “puppy energy” and curiosity, she liked to stick close to her handler, seeking attention and affection. She didn’t get that “new chapter” they said she was ready for. ACC killed her on day 40.
Eggsy [251376]: 7 months old; killed May 12. When Eggsy was 6 months old he was turned over to the police by an anonymous person who said Eggsy bit her and her daughter, but refused to show the police any proof of bites. A call from another anonymous person to police said Eggsy had been taken from a person who wasn’t feeding him.
At ACC, a volunteer called foul on the biting accusation in the video they made of adorable Eggsy. Regardless, Eggsy paid the price, first by having to spend his time in isolation on DOH hold during his first week at ACC. Then those unproven bites became part of ACC’s excuse for killing him
During his stay at ACC, Eggsy never showed any signs of aggression or even defensive behavior. He was bouncy and social, eager to greet staff. A volunteer wrote, “Less than a year old, this incredibly handsome boy is a very playful, exuberant puppy. He has lots of pep in his step and simply loves treats, which he very readily sits for … After taking a treat, he would immediately sit again on his own, tail wagging as he waited patiently for the next one.”
ACC killed Eggsy 37 days after he arrived, citing “overarousal.” In other words, like so many other victims, ACC killed Eggsy for being a puppy.
Looper [252212]: 1 year old; killed May 13. Looper, a stray, came to ACC tail wagging, friendly and hopeful, although feeling poorly with diarrhea that lasted several days.
Over time, playful and energetic Looper, surrounded by barking dogs, became increasingly dog reactive. A high-energy pup, he remained cooperative and social with staff despite his shelter-induced stress.
ACC killed Looper on day 26.
Mahogany [253653]: age unknown; killed May 14. Mahogany was found on May 4. She was adopted soon after and returned to ACC.
Instead of trying to re-home her, ACC killed Mahogany 10 days after she was found on the street, a silent kill.
Pancho [253270]: 7 years old; killed May 16. His human said 108-pound Pancho was affectionate and timid, initially fearful around strangers. He played gently with other dogs and was respectful of kids. Surrendered because their landlord would not allow, Pancho was terrified and bewildered at ACC, trembling and avoiding interactions with staff. He did well on walks but panicked and froze on occasion.
At ACC Pancho had a mass, ear infection, and elevated liver enzymes. He was issued a waiver for being neutered because of his medical condition and age. On May 6, his medical records note a post-surgical exam. It didn’t specify what for, though most likely they neutered Pancho despite the risks.
By the May 12, he had CIRDC, had stopped eating, and had blood in his urine. Their last note on Pancho, before they killed him on day 18, was that he wasn’t eating, which meant he also wasn’t getting his medicine.
Stone [250970]: 7 years old; killed May 16. Stone, a peanut-butter-loving couch potato, was abandoned by his owner who said they had allergies to the dog who had lived his whole life with them.
He was calm on intake, leaned in for pets, wagged his tail, and allowed all handling, but soon became fearful. ACC said he would avoid handlers. His video shows otherwise: a playful senior pup, thoroughly enjoying butt rubs and comfortable being close to his handler.
ACC killed Stone on day 25.
Peanut [246695]: 4 years old; killed May 16. Peanut was found alone in the basement of a building where she’d been for about a month. She was scared on intake and even more so a week later when another dog broke loose from their kennel and bit her three times, leaving deep puncture wounds.
A volunteer wrote, “Peanut is a shy girl in an overwhelming environment … Since she came into the care center, she has been very nervous, but given time and some space to breathe, she can relax a bit into a gentle, demure girl. She often flinches with fast movement, and jumps away from interaction. When she has more agency, Peanut leans into pets, gently and cautiously.
“Peanut’s body language on walks changes as she gets further from the shelter; she loosens her stride and relaxes. But walking back to the shelter she tenses again, nervous to be back inside.”
ACC wrote that Peanut, enrolled in the “shelter scholar” program, was working to stay focused and calm in overwhelming situations. Per her notes, “Peanut is making great strides and is well on her way to becoming a more composed and confident pup.”
Well on her way, but not given time to find a home. Instead, after spaying her on April 21, ACC killed Peanut on day 43.
Peter Pan [251263]: 7 years old; killed May 17. Peter Pan, flagged for cruelty and neglect, arrived at ACC emaciated with a skull and jaw fracture, a wound, and a lame hind leg. Even so, his good nature prevailed; during his medical exam he wagged his tail and leaned into staff for affection.
Peter Pan did great in the dog/dog greet, loved playing fetch in the yard, was easily leashed and walked well, checking in with the handler and ignoring other dogs. In the play yard he would gently lick his handler’s face and roll onto their lap. On his walks in and out of the shelter, he happily greeted familiar staff.
ACC killed Peter Pan on day 44. Apparently, when he bit the fake hand looming at him in their assessment test his fate was sealed. They cited that fact as an excuse to kill him. Never mind that the test is widely known to prove nothing or that Peter Pan’s skull had been fractured, possibly by a hand coming at him, or a boot. Even abused dogs that remain friendly and gentle aren’t given a chance at ACC.
Angel [128825]: 7 years old; killed May 17. Angel, a long-term stay and a “shelter scholar,” had been at ACC four years earlier, surrendered by his family, then reclaimed. Described as friendly and affectionate, he happily lived with a young child and liked to follow his family from room to room.
ACC said, “Angel is highly responsive to training, quickly learns new cues, and is social with staff.” Volunteers adored him. At the beginning of his stay at ACC one wrote, “Angel jumps into Santa’s lap and stays there for the duration of our time outside with him. He relishes some time out of the pop-up crate he’s been housed in for the last two and a half weeks. There, he takes our treats gently and listens to us talk about how he indeed embodies his name, a real angel on earth. A sweet and gentle cherub indeed.”
Much later in his stay, another volunteer wrote, “One on one, I found Angel to be the most perfect and charming gentleman. He walks beautifully on leash, checks in with me regularly, and takes treats delicately from my hand. In the play yard, Angel stays close to me, leaning in to solicit affection and cheddar cheese from my treat pouch. Naturally I oblige because he deserves all the delicious things this world has to offer and so much more. It’s utterly heartbreaking to see him look so defeated and hopeless as each day of uncertainty goes by.”
Dr. Brennen’s vet team killed Angel on day 167.
Chalupa [253732]: age unknown; killed May 17. Chalupa was found on May 5 and killed 12 days later, a silent kill. ACC says he bit a handler’s hand there. Lots of dogs are fostered and adopted after biting, but Chalupa was never given a chance to be placed.
Newton [253993]: 12 years old; killed May 17. Newton was killed nine days after he was found on the streets. He had a foreign body obstruction in his stomach. Instead of removing it, Dr. Brennen and company killed him.
ACC said he came in tail wagging, allowed all handling. During his “behavior assessment,” he scrambled to the door to try to exit when the handler attempted to make contact with him. They noted that as a strike against him. But he soon warmed up to handlers. He did well around other dogs, was easily leashed and walked.
When Newton got very sick, began vomiting continuously, ACC wrote, “Given the advanced age of Newton, the extensive continuous vomiting and the likelihood of a gastric FB [foreign body], reaching out to NH [New Hope] with plea for further work up and possible abdominal exploratory. If no placement established, EHR [euthanasia] recommended.”
In essence, ACC asked New Hope partners — other rescue organizations — to take Newton off their hands and do the surgery needed. Even then, they didn’t give the rescues any time to help, killing Newton the same day they sent out their “plea.”
Skippers [252891]: 2 years old; killed May 19. Skippers, a stray, came in highly social and then became overwhelmed, scared and reactive to other dogs when going in and out of his kennel.
He did better when outside of the facility, walking well on leash. Although nervous he remained friendly with staff — a beautiful boy in search of toys, he jumped into the toy bin to pick the best one.
ACC killed Skippers on day 24.
Bleu [254148]: 4 years old; killed May 19. ACC killed beautiful Bleu just nine days after he arrived. The ostensible reason: leash biting. Bleu’s human said he was an affectionate dog, loved belly rubs and kisses, toys, and bananas with peanut butter. He lived with a child and another dog, was playful with strangers and kids. His family surrendered Bleu because they could no longer afford his care.
During his time at ACC, they made notes on only two of the days he was there, the day of his intake and the day after. Bleu was a leash-biter, and when he bit the leash on intake, ACC put him on their favorite sedatives — Trazodone, Gabapentin, and Clonidine. How the drugs affected him we don’t know. There are no notes.
Barbara [251536]: 1 year old; killed May 21. Her human said Barbara was a “lap dog who sleeps a lot on you.” No wonder she was not a fan of the cat in her home. They also said, she’s “extremely affectionate, very cuddly, and eager to please! She loves to tear up plushies, squeakers, and crinkly toys.”
At ACC Barbara was loose, wiggly, and wagging. Easily leashed, she did well on walks and played fetch nicely — their test to see if she would resource-guard the ball. She sought affection from her handlers and pets.
The only excuse they could find to kill her is that she barked and growled on intake. ACC killed Barbara on day 41.
Acai [253442]: 6 years old; killed May 21. In his video, Acai, a stray, looks scared and hopeful at the same time. A volunteer said, “I met Acai on a nearby stoop and his big handsome head drew me in immediately as I walked down the block towards him. He posed for his photos dutifully, but was enraptured by the toys I used to gain his focus. He hopped to catch them and then squeaked away in this little alcove, before we took a stroll back to the yard.”
Toys got Acai in trouble. He would sometimes screech at a person holding the toy and jump too much get them. He wouldn’t trade his ball for cheese. Their report of successfully hiding toys from him speaks volumes about the nature of their “care.”
Clearly, toys were a comfort to Acai. He also had several fractured teeth that could be causing pain. How about just give the sad boy his toy and let him keep it? ACC killed Acai on day 21.
Sasha [229472]: 2 years old; killed May 21. Returned from foster care on May 6, Sasha was put on health department hold, which is usually for bites.
Sasha had been in the ACC system for almost a year when they killed her without attempting to find another foster.
Known as a super silly girl, flopping over for belly rubs was Sasha’s signature move. She died another ACC silent kill victim.
Nyla [252503]: 4 years old; killed May 25. Nyla, rehomed in January and described as social and friendly with all, including strangers, kids, and other dogs, was surrendered because her new family said they didn’t have time for her. On intake, ACC said she was relaxed and seeking affection. They spayed her shortly after she arrived.
“Nyla is a dog that immediately just lights me up,” a volunteer said. “On a hard day, she will bring joy, silliness, and all the cuddles you could dream of. When I was getting tired after walking dogs for six hours at the shelter, I got to meet Nyla and she rejuvenated all my energy. Her personality is just magnetic and I can’t bear to put her back in her small kennel.”
Nyla was easily leashed and cooperative, politely returning the ball when playing fetch. They killed Nyla on day 31 for “behavior problems”— not because of anything she did wrong at ACC, but because of a reported bite to someone’s finger in her previous home.
Mikey [252968]: 4 years old; killed May 27. Mikey, brought in by the police who found him roaming the streets, was described by them as very friendly and outgoing. His skin issues were so severe he had lesions across his body, open wounds on his face, in addition to an ear infection.
A volunteer wrote, “As I watch back my videos of Mikey, I hear myself saying “Mikey!!” And You’re a good boy” over and over again. I say that a lot at the shelter. One, because it’s filled with good boys and good girls. And, two, because sometimes dogs come in that make me think they haven’t been told this enough or maybe even ever … Still, Mikey stays optimistic. He is loose and wiggly and oh so playful. In fact, it’s so hard to get good video of him because he’s a blur of happiness. He loves toys and seems to TREASURE the fish plushy we have to offer him. No matter what path Mikey’s trajectory takes, at least he will know that someone thought he is a VERY GOOD BOY!”
Mikey’s video does show his very good nature and how happy he was with his fish plushy. ACC killed the very good boy Mikey on day 30.
Casserole [253567]: 2 years old; killed May 27. Casserole, a stray, kissed the hands of staff on intake, wagging his tail and toe tapping, so happy to be off the streets. He wasn’t bothered by other dogs there, even when they growled and bared their teeth at him. We don’t know his history, but he had a long scar on the back of his neck.
A volunteer writes, “It didn’t take long for Casserole to roll over and show us his belly. Just a short play sesh in the unusually hot spring heat and he was fully ‘baked.’ We hope that we can entice him to get in the pool with a toy (we find out quickly that he LOVEs stuffies) but he’d rather cool off by laying on his side, tongue lolling. Our videos are filled with comments about how handsome he is and how much we like him and though remarks such as these are common with dogs we meet in the shelter, they are nonetheless true.”
ACC killed Casserole on day 26 for leash biting — their excuse for a behavior problem.
Coby [253880]: 5 years old; killed May 27. Coby’s owner said their child and Coby never got along. Coby bit the child’s finger. The owner called the police to have Coby taken away and left no information about him.
At ACC, Coby soon got in trouble for jumping up at handlers and biting their treat pouch. Easily leashed, Coby ignored passersby, including dogs, on the streets. In the play yard, he was truly joyful— wiggly and exuberant, happy to be pet.
But mostly, ACC ignored him, never even giving him a behavior assessment. They also didn’t make a video, decreasing his chance of finding a home. ACC killed Coby on day 21.
Phantom [253510]: 5 years old; killed May 27. Phantom was brought in stray, reportedly for fighting with dogs on the street. No one said who started the fight; ACC admitted the incident was “very vague.” Naming him Phantom was their first clue as to his fate. He was a dead dog walking.
ACC said Phantom on intake was wagging his tail, sought attention from staff, and sat for pets. During his stay, he was easily leashed, thoroughly enjoyed enrichment games (and learned fast), became highly social with handlers. Their last note on Phantom, five days before they killed him said, “Phantom was lying down at back of kennel. As handler opened door Phantom came to the front where he was easily leashed and pulled from kennel. Phantom was taken to backyard. During his walk time Phantom appeared lethargic often coughing. Handler tried to engage in some pattern games but Phantom was uninterested. He was returned to kennel with no issue.”
Surely, Phantom, coughing and lethargic, was sick with CIRDC, which is endemic at always-unsanitary ACC, but there are no notes after that day. They killed Phantom on day 26.
Miss Bee [255140]: age unknown; killed May 28. On Miss Bee’s lost and found record it says sex unknown, age not listed.
Miss Bee was found on May 22 and never listed for foster or adoption, another silent kill.
Cozine [253497]: 3 years old; killed May 29. Notes on stray pup Cozine are sparse. ACC said he was social but conflicted. Because he flinched once when touched? That’s the only clue in their notes. They did say that they, “Recommend topical treatments for skin once dog is placed, P [Patient] may need continued support for potential underlying allergies once placed.” Why wait?
A volunteer wrote, “I only got to meet Cozine this weekend, after he arrived as a stray a few weeks ago. Cozine has struggled to acclimate to the shelter but when we met him we were lucky to see his social side. He is every bit as handsome as he looks in his videos and photos, with a big head split gray and white. The moment I offer him a toy, he picks it up and I don’t think he lets it go for the rest of our time together! We joke that it’s his emotional support stuffy and in his situation you can’t blame him for needing a little support. For all his struggles at the shelter Cozine is social with us, coming right up to me to be pet and curving into our legs.”
Cozine’s video doesn’t show a conflicted dog. It does reveal how important that stuffy was to him — and also his endearing head tilt.
ACC killed Cozine on day 29.
Diesel [255378]: 8 years old; killed May 29. Diesel, a large male dog, was found on May 26 and killed three days later, a silent kill.
ACC never listed Diesel for foster or adoption. Their lost and found record did not include a photo.
Cinnamon [255398]: 16 years old; killed May 29. Cinnamon was found on May 26 and never listed for foster or adoption, a silent kill.
ACC says he was 16, though they’ve been known to get ages wrong.
Brown [252445]: 4 years old; killed May 30. If you watch Brown’s video, two things stand out — Brown’s soft eyes and his goofy and endearing smile. He came to ACC an underweight stray, fearful at first but became more relaxed and confident over time.
A volunteer says, Brown was “the sweetest compact low-rider at 40 pounds. He has the cutest little smiley face and honestly, I couldn’t stop smiling back at him. Brown can be a bit fearful and shy, so he appreciates slow introductions to new people and places. But once he feels safe, his gentle side starts to shine. During our time together, he kept wagging his tail, leaned into his handler for snuggles, and took treats so softly. Brown may need a little patience, but he has so much love to give“
Patience? ACC doesn’t do patience; they killed Brown on day 43.
Sunny [255119]: 8 years old; killed May 30. Found May 22, Sunny, a small male dog, was never listed for foster or adoption, a silent kill.
ACC’s lost and found record did not include a photo.
Gomez [253742]: 4 years old; killed May 31. Gomez was found wandering in the park with a dog they named Morticia. Morticia found a home. Gomez did not. As his video shows, his expressive face signaled his worry and confusion.
“When I met Gomez,” a volunteer said, “he was still shy and aloof, as if he were trying to navigate this unfamiliar and overwhelming situation. Still, he walked beautifully by staff’s side and accepted gentle pets. I saw a similar aloofness in Morticia when I first met her, and with more time, she slowly began to show more of herself. I believe this block-headed, Oreo-faced boy just needs that same chance. Gomez may need more time to reveal his true personality, but I’m hopeful that once he feels safe, he’ll be as sweet as an Oreo cookie can be.”
With time, Gomez did warm up, making friends with staff. But he didn’t get enough time to find a home; ACC killed Gomez on day 27.
Kwik [251306]: 1 year old; killed May 31. Kwik, a volunteer said, was “a social, treat-motivated boy who enjoys interacting with people once he feels comfortable … When I spent time with him in the park, he was very sweet and stayed engaged with me. Kwik is still very much a puppy, curious, playful, and loves treats and toys. He listens well to the ‘sit’ cue and walks beautifully on leash.”
A stray, Kwik was happiest out in the yard and on walks, a fan of being up close and personal — licking faces and hands. They neutered Kwik in April and killed him day 58.
Todo [254894]: 8 years old; killed May 31. Todo, a small male dog, was found on May 19 and never listed for foster/placement, a silent kill.
There was no photo in Todo’s lost and found record.
