Another photo of Coffee the dog was sent to us this morning, this one showing what appears to be the owner holding a shock collar remote, while putting a pipe in Coffee's mouth... which our tipster tells us contains adhesive. Also note that Coffee has no teeth. The Mets have released a statement regarding Coffee, saying, "We have addressed the matter with the NYPD and the Parks Department. As the Mets plaza is an open public space on parkland, the Mets cannot control access."
As for the Humane Society of the U.S. and the ASPCA, it doesn't look like they'll be taking action anytime soon. Patrick Kwan at the HSUS told us, "The apparent use of a shock collar to force this dog to participate in panhandling is certainly inhumane and an inappropriate use of such devices. The best way to help Coffee is to discourage people from giving money. Anyone who witnesses impediment of pedestrian traffic or aggressive behavior on the part of the panhandling owner should call 311. If the animal is in distress or neglected, witnesses should call the ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement department at (212) 876-7700, ext. 4450."
The ASPCA told us, "Our Humane Law Enforcement department has not received any complaints of cruelty concerning this matter." So, consider this... and this petition, and this Stop Abusing Coffee Facebook page (in which a number of people claim to have called the ASPCA)... a formal complaint.
