Overview

• The attack occurred around 4:45 a.m. on July 24 when witnesses saw a man dragging a motionless dog before dousing it with accelerant and igniting it.
• On July 26 officials released surveillance stills and a description of the suspect, who was last seen wearing a maroon Polo sweatshirt, gray trousers and a light brown MCM backpack.
• The NYPD Animal Cruelty Squad and the ASPCA are urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers by phone or submit tips online, with all leads kept confidential.
• Investigators recovered footage tracing the suspect’s movements to a nearby deli and are examining physical evidence collected at the scene.
• Under New York law, arson and aggravated animal cruelty charges carry significant prison terms if the suspect is convicted.