On a quiet stretch of Grace Avenue in Baychester Monday morning, a neighbor’s cellphone video captured a wrenching scene: a dog repeatedly attacking an opossum in the street. The wild animal was later taken to a clinic and died from its injuries. The footage was recorded by Janelle Alexandria, who was feeding stray cats at her nearby sanctuary when the attack unfolded. Her video shows the dog’s owner standing nearby as the opossum is mauled. Alexandria said she was too afraid to step in, so she hit record instead, then rushed the wounded animal to an animal hospital. The clip has since ricocheted through the neighborhood and onto authorities’ radar.
As reported by News12 Bronx, Alexandria posted the video on social media and told investigators she brought the injured opossum to a hospital, where it later died. The NYPD, the ASPCA and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation have all confirmed they are treating the incident as a possible case of animal cruelty, and police say they are questioning the dog’s owner. Alexandria also told the station she is worried about other dogs kept at the same property, saying “they don’t look well at all” and that she can see their ribs.
Neighbor Who Filmed It Describes The Scene
“It was one of the most horrific things I’ve ever seen in my life,” Alexandria told News12 Bronx. She said she thought about intervening but backed off out of fear for her own safety because the dog looked large and aggressive, so she kept her distance and recorded instead. After she posted the clip, Alexandria said attention came quickly, and officials moved in to question the owner while the investigation continues.
How The City Responds
When officers respond to calls involving dangerous or injured animals, NYPD procedure calls for Animal Care & Control to be dispatched and for officers to prepare dangerous-animal or bite reports, according to NYC.gov. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation maintains a public list of licensed wildlife rehabilitators and advises people who encounter injured wild animals to contact a rehabber or the DEC dispatch line for help, per the agency’s guidance. The ASPCA has long worked with law enforcement on cruelty investigations and forensic support, a pattern documented in a review of cases presented to the organization in partnership with the NYPD, according to the National Library of Medicine.
Legal Implications
Under New York law, New York State Senate Agriculture & Markets §353 makes it unlawful to “torture or cruelly beat” any animal, wild or tame, so investigators could pursue misdemeanor cruelty charges if they decide the evidence supports it. New York State Senate aggravated cruelty (§353-a) is a felony when someone intentionally causes serious physical injury or death to a companion animal, although that section is aimed at pets such as dogs and cats. If prosecutors move forward, the state statutes allow for fines, possible jail time and court-ordered limits on owning animals.
What Neighbors Want And Next Steps
Neighbors say they want the investigation to lead to real accountability and for any animals found to be neglected at the property to be removed. Residents in the area remain shaken after the video circulated, and many say they want clear assurances that authorities will check on the animals at the address. For anyone who comes across injured wildlife, the DEC advises contacting a licensed wildlife rehabilitator or the agency’s dispatch line for guidance, according to the DEC.
