Queens, USA - June 15, 2024

A harrowing incident unfolded over the weekend as NYPD officers intervened to rescue five pitbull puppies from a suffocating and urine-soaked bag, an act captured on body camera footage that has since garnered widespread attention.

The rescue took place on Saturday, 15 June, evening near Beach Channel Drive and Horton Avenue in Far Rockaway, where Officers Lukasse Pusz and Brian Chan, part of the 101st Precinct's field training unit, responded to reports of a woman attempting to sell puppies from a tightly sealed sack.

According to NYPD reports, the officers discovered the puppies in distress, confined without ventilation in the small bag. Officer Pusz described the heartbreaking scene, noting the puppies were covered in urine and struggling to breathe due to the lack of air.

"We found out they’re no more than 6 weeks so they didn’t have much life to even experience and they were being tortured," Officer Pusz recounted.

Eyewitness Chris Pimental, working nearby at a Dollar General, recounted seeing the suspect soliciting offers for the puppies inside the store before the officers' intervention.

Body camera footage captured the tense moment when officers, prompted by a witness's plea for help, swiftly cut open the bag. Five puppies emerged, one initially unconscious but revived with immediate care from the officers.

"We cut the bag open and that’s when five puppies flooded out well 4 because one was completely at the bottom unconscious…opened up its eyes and came back to life," Officer Austin Glickman, another responding officer, recalled.

The puppies were promptly provided with water and affection on-site before being transferred to the Manhattan ASPCA for further evaluation and care. Officers from the 101st Precinct have expressed interest in potentially adopting the rescued puppies.

Meanwhile, 44-year-old Shirley Medina was arrested at the scene and faces multiple charges including torture injury to an animal, neglect of impounded animals, and possession of brass knuckles.

The ASPCA commended the swift action of the NYPD in rescuing the puppies and ensuring they receive necessary veterinary attention. The investigation into the incident remains ongoing as authorities continue to advocate for the well-being of animals in Queens and beyond.