The Weekly Carnage: June 8, 2026
Names, images and stories of cats and dogs recently exterminated by Animal Care Centers of New York City.
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, records ACC has chosen 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.”
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 ACC 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 with a rescue, or you’re an NYC ACC volunteer, and would like to contribute images of exterminate cats and dogs — or tell us about your experience working with ACC — please contact TSNY.
A note about names: Many animals come to NYC ACC with unknown histories, including their names. In addition, ACC does not always use the name a cat or dog is accustomed to, even if the agency knows what it is. As a result, many animals exterminated by ACC are never properly identified. Unfortunately, for the most part NYC ACC KILLS has only the names provided by ACC, even if those names are incorrect or nonsensical. ACC-assigned names are presented here without quotation marks unless TSNY can confirm an animal was known by a different name when admitted to ACC.
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.
HEAD NYC ACC VETERINARIAN
Robin Brennen: Email 1, 2
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
In memoriam
CATS
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 finnicky 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. They killed him on day 9.
DOGS
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.”
Kwik, a stray, 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 his Lost and Found record.
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. 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. They 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 2 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, he was labeled a “solo pet,” making it harder to find a home. ACC neutered Sage in May and killed him on day 66.
Lizzy [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 saddle 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 7 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 nonstop to help find her a home and because she was not At Risk, we also don’t have access to notes on her time at ACC. She was put “on hold” on May 26, which meant she was no longer listed for foster or adoption. When a networker enquired about Karma on June 2, ACC said she was being reclaimed. Instead, two days later, ACC suddenly issued a Kill Command. ACC killed Karma on day 40.
