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.<\/p>\n
According to New York Police Department, it happened Thursday just before 5 a.m. at the Queens corner of 128th Street and 116th Avenue in South Ozone Park.<\/p>\n
Neighbors shared surveillance video where the man is seen dragging the dog on a leash behind him. Police say he then poured some sort of accelerant on the dog before lighting it on fire. The man then left the scene, leaving the animal behind.<\/p>\n
“I’m a dog owner too and for people to do something like that is very wrong,” said Bhisham Pasram.<\/p>\n
In a neighborhood where many people know each other and many have pets, there is a great deal of fear and horror.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
Neighbors say they don’t recognize the man in the footage or know who the dog belonged to.<\/p>\n
“This is scary because we have animals. Dogs go outside. I have cats — it’s kind of scary to go outside because, how could anybody do something like this?” added Alessandra.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n