Animal Poisoning in Broad Channel

Dead Cats

By Dan Guarino

What began as an odd neighborhood rumor has turned into a criminal matter in Broad Channel.

Within the last few weeks it has been reported that some 37 cats and one dog have died in the community due to what appears to be deliberate poisoning. The incidents have centered around Broad Channel Park, locally known as 17 Road Park, and the area behind the Broad Channel Library. Adjacent to each other, they are located on Cross Bay Boulevard between East 16th and East 17th roads.

Flyers have now been posted in the area offering a $2,500 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible.

Anyone wishing to report an incident is advised to call the 100th Precinct or 311.

The reward is being offered by Neighborhood Cats Inc., which can be reached at 212-662-5761.

Poisoning animals in New York State is a felony crime, punishable by two years in prison and/or up to a $5,000 fine.

One Broad Channel resident that noted many of the poisoned animals were probably household pets. “Horrible,” he said.

“A lot of little children play in this park,” he noted. “This is dangerous. And who knows what this person is going to go onto?”