Petition to the Mayor’s Office of Animal Welfare & NYC Department of Health

Urgent Request for Intervention in Ongoing Animal Exploitation and Illegal Puppy Sales

We, the undersigned residents and animal welfare advocates, respectfully request immediate investigation and enforcement action regarding ongoing illegal street sales and exploitation of puppies in New York City, specifically in the Diamond District and surrounding areas.

Summary of the Issue

Over multiple days, an individual was observed selling a five-month-old female King Cane Corso puppy—directly on the street, claiming the dog belonged to “a friend.” The puppy was visibly distressed, shivering, and left exposed to cold outdoor temperatures for hours, without shelter, warmth, or appropriate care. This prolonged exposure placed the puppy at serious risk of harm and constitutes animal endangerment. 

The circumstances demonstrate that the puppy was treated not as a living animal requiring care, but as a commodity for profit—raising grave and immediate animal welfare and public health concerns.

Evidence of Ongoing Exploitation

Further investigation suggests this was not an isolated incident, but part of a broader and ongoing pattern of illegal activity:

●      The seller claimed to currently possess six puppies of different popular breeds.

●      Video footage shared by the seller shows additional King Cane Corso puppies, as well as other breeds, being kept and marketed for sale.

●      The seller appears to be operating without any visible licensing, veterinary documentation, or compliance with New York City and New York State laws governing animal sales.

●      Puppies are being advertised and sold on the street, in public spaces, in violation of laws prohibiting unlicensed street sales of animals.

These actions strongly suggest the presence of an illegal puppy-selling operation and raise serious concerns about the welfare, origin, breeding conditions, and health of these animals.

Public Health and Safety Concerns

Illegal puppy sales pose significant risks not only to animals but also to the public. Puppies sold without veterinary oversight may carry contagious diseases, lack vaccinations, and suffer from untreated medical conditions. Buyers are misled, animals are placed at risk, and the cycle of abuse continues unchecked.

Veterinary Concerns

Contact with a licensed veterinarian revealed additional red flags:

●      The veterinarian indicated the puppy has a health condition, which could not be disclosed to the reporting party due to privacy restrictions

●      The veterinarian emailed the individual posing as the owner requesting further information

●      The veterinarian also requested a sample necessary for proper evaluation, which the “owner” has failed to provide

This lack of cooperation from the seller further suggests neglect, concealment, and disregard for the puppy’s health and welfare.

Legal Basis

Under New York City law:

●      Dogs and other companion animals cannot be sold on the street, in residential dwellings, or from unlicensed sellers

●      Proper licensing and permits are required for any legal animal sale in NYC

●      Failure to comply with these regulations constitutes a violation of city law and is subject to enforcement

These laws exist to prevent exactly this type of exploitation, neglect, and public health risk.

Attempts to Seek Help

●      911 was contacted multiple times, with no meaningful response

●      311 complaints were filed with detailed documentation

●      NYPD advised to “call when meeting the seller,” without proactive enforcement

●      ASPCA confirmed the case falls under NYC Department of Health and NYPD jurisdiction

Despite extensive reporting, no effective enforcement action has occurred, allowing continued exploitation of vulnerable animals.

Request for Immediate Action

We respectfully urge the Mayor’s Office of Animal Welfare and the New York City Department of Health to:

●      Conduct an immediate investigation into the individual and operation described above

●      Enforce applicable laws regarding unlicensed animal sales and animal cruelty

●      Intervene to ensure the safety, medical care, and lawful placement of any animals involved

●      Increase enforcement presence in known areas of illegal animal sales to prevent continued exploitation

New York City has strong animal welfare laws. Their enforcement is critical to preventing cruelty, protecting public health, and stopping illegal breeding and sales operations that thrive when oversight is absent.

We Respectfully Request

1.    Immediate investigation by the NYC Department of Health

2.    Coordinated enforcement with NYPD to halt illegal sales

3.    Seizure and veterinary evaluation of all animals involved

4.    Accountability for unlicensed breeding and sales

5.    Preventative action to stop continued exploitation

We appreciate your prompt attention to this urgent matter and stand ready to provide additional information, documentation, or testimony as needed. This petition seeks lawful, humane, and coordinated intervention. Without timely action, these animals remain at risk of continued suffering and exploitation.

Signed,

Concerned NYC Residents & Animal Welfare Advocates

Name | Signature | Date | 

Farangis Nazaralieva 02/05/2026

Caira Conner 02/05/2026

Oriyan Schwartz Esq. 02/05/2026