NEW YORK — Police are looking for a man who they say dragged a motionless dog down a residential block in New York City and then set it on fire.
The New York Police Department reports that the incident took place at approximately 5 a.m. on Thursday at the intersection of 128th Street and 116th Avenue in South Ozone Park, Queens.
Residents provided surveillance footage showing a man pulling a dog on a leash. According to police, the man subsequently doused the dog in some type of flammable liquid before setting it ablaze. He then abandoned the scene, leaving the poor animal behind.
“I’m a dog owner too and for people to do something like that is very wrong,” said Bhisham Pasram.
In a neighborhood where many people know each other and many have pets, there is a great deal of fear and horror.
“I have four cats at home personally. I can’t believe anyone would do something in this area. Right there on the corner is crazy,” said Nick Samaroo.
Neighbors say they don’t recognize the man in the footage or know who the dog belonged to.
“It’s frightening because we have pets, like dogs that go outdoors. I also have cats, so it makes it really unsettling to think about stepping outside. How could anyone commit such an act?” remarked Alessandra.
The NYPD Animal Cruelty Squad is investigating the dog’s death. The ASPCA is also involved. A spokesperson said the organization is supporting police by performing a necropsy.
The suspect was last seen wearing a maroon sweatshirt with a “POLO” logo in tan lettering across the chest, gray pants and a light brown “MCM” backpack.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crimestoppers website.
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