In a heartbreaking case of animal neglect, an elderly pit bull was discovered tied to a tree in Queens, New York, suffering from a severe, bleeding chest wound. The 8-year-old dog, later named Star, had been abandoned near Atlas Mall in Glendale and was found in visible agony—her body covered in blood, and her condition critical. Neighbors spotted the distressed animal and contacted local City Council members Bob Holden and Joann Ariola, unsure whether the situation warranted a police response. With help from the animal rescue group Lend-a-Paw, bystanders rushed the suffering dog to safety.
Rescuers initially feared Star had recently given birth, due to the amount of blood she was soaked in. She growled and resisted touch, a clear sign of the intense pain she was experiencing. Upon examination by veterinarians, it was discovered that Star was suffering from advanced-stage mammary cancer, including a large ulcerated and necrotic tumor. Her condition was deemed untreatable, and the decision was made to humanely euthanize her to end her suffering.
City officials expressed outrage and grief over the incident. “It’s devastating and outrageous that someone would leave this poor dog tied to a tree, suffering from advanced-stage cancer,” Councilman Holden said, emphasizing the urgent need for accountability and justice. He and Ariola called on the NYPD to review and reform how animal cruelty cases are handled, citing Star’s case as a tragic example of systemic failures. They criticized the current procedures as outdated and confusing, often discouraging officers from intervening in cases of animal abuse.
While police eventually responded to the scene, it was only after significant urging from local officials—and by then, Star had already been taken to the shelter. Discrepancies between official accounts remain, with NYPD claiming they assisted in the dog’s rescue, though council sources said the community acted on its own. Regardless, Star’s suffering has sparked renewed calls for reform and better training for law enforcement when it comes to recognizing and responding to animal cruelty.
“We will not let Star’s awful death be in vain,” Councilwoman Ariola stated. “We need to see changes now, to protect the animals of this city from further harm.” Star’s story, though tragic, has become a rallying cry for compassion, awareness, and systemic improvement in how animal welfare cases are addressed in New York City.