09/02/2026
PLACED WITH A NEW HOPE PARTNER!!!
TO BE KILLED SEPTEMBER 5, 2026
š Leon was returned to the shelter after being in the home just 1 day because he wasnāt a perfectly behaved dog. Now heās the one paying the price.
Leon needs someone who understands that boundaries, training and trust matter. With familiar handlers, ACC says Leon is social, loose-bodied and actively seeks out affection and pets. ā¤ļø
Heās apparently healthy and needs an experienced, adult-only home where people will respect his space, use positive reinforcement, and give him the consistency and structure he needs to succeed.
š Leon isnāt perfect. None of these dogs are. He needs an experienced person willing to work with him instead of expecting him to arrive already knowing exactly how humans want him to behave.
š© New Hope placement required ā please message if you can foster or adopt Leon through an ACC New Hope partner.
LEON 259513 MANHATTAN ACC
Estimated to be 3 years 1 mo 2 weeks old, 15.9 Lbs.
NEUTERED MALE, SMALL MIXED BREED
OWNER SURR FROM NY
MEDICAL BEHAVIOR RATING:
BEHAVIOR RATING: NH ONLY
INTAKE DATE: 07/12/2026
PET PROFILE
Length of time owned: 1 day
Where the previous owner got this dog: Trial adoption
Previously lived with: Lived with: Adults Additional info: 2 adults
How is this dog around strangers?: No experience
How is this dog around children?: No experience
How is this dog around other dogs?: Familiar dogs: No experience
Unfamiliar dogs - on leash: Friendly & Outgoing
Unfamiliar dogs - off leash: No experience
How is this dog around cats?: Cats: No experience
Other Animals: No experience
Resource guarding: Valuable items: Food, Treats (bones, rawhides, etc.), Toys
Reaction: Unknown/Never attempted to touch or take items
Bite history: Previous bite to a person: Yes
Did the bite break skin: No
Date of last bite: 7/18/2026
Previous bite to another animal: No
Did the other animal need vet care: Not reported
Date of last bite to an animal:
Bitten by another animal: No
Did this dog need vet care: Not reported
Date of last bite by another animal:
Additional info:
Moving him off / on the couch, ; Playing with toy
Bite History Survey Answers:
Victim: Owner/myself
Additional info: White Male, 30 years old, 5ā7 tall.
Was this the first bite: Yes
Previous bite before this:
How many times the dog has bitten in the past: 1-2 times in the past
Bite severity: Small bites left scar from teeth grazing against the skin, but did grab onto shorts. No bleeding.
Medical attention needed: No
Medical attention type: Not reported
Warning signs prior to the bite: Growled, hard barked, and/or snarled, Does not give warnings
What happened before/during the bite:
When he first arrived, he immediately jumped on the couch. When we tried to cautiously move him, he snapped at my husband and lightly bit his finger. When my husband moved his finger, he moved on to lightly biting my knee. Again, this was nothing too serious. Since then, we have avoided him getting on the couch (especially because of his recent surgery he canāt be jumping up and down and because he showed some triggers in being moved on the couch). We set his bed next to the couch and are reinforcing him staying there with treats.;
However, a more concerning incident happened late at night. My husband was playing fetch with him. He had brought his toy to us multiple times throughout the day and showed no signs of resource guarding and successfully fetched his toys and brought them back multiple times. But for this instance, my husband went to pick up the toy but started growling and bit his hand. My husband retreated and gave him enough space, but he continued to chase him, he bit his leg and then proceeded to bite the end of his shorts when he lost access to his knee and kept ahold of his shorts for a bit. Again, my husband moved away quickly and retreated but he kept chasing him and growling and trying to bite him until he cornered him against the stairs.
We immediately made noise with the treats bag to stop him, as that was the only thing he responded to, and he stopped.
Type of bite: Bite and hold, Bite multiple times in a row
When the biting began: Change in home (new baby, new pet, construction, etc.)
putting collar on
Housetrained: Partially
Energy level/descriptors: High (often playful/busy)
Other Notes: es potty on: Outside on walks (grass, cement, dirt, etc.)
Accident frequency: Daily
Additional info: P**p inside. P*e inside but looks for the bathroom to do that. Will take a while to p*e or p**p outside
Behavior concerns: Anxious when left alone
Additional info: Not reported
Reacts to on walks: None of the above
Reaction type: Not reported
Additional info: Not reported
How this dog reacts when...
- Held/restrained: Isn't bothered
- Disturbed while resting/sleeping: Unknown/Have not attempted
- Startled: Fearful
- Pushed/pulled off furniture: Barks/Growls
- Paws are touched: Unknown/Have not attempted
- Collar grabbed/touched: Barks/Growls
Has this dog ever had any medical issues?: Yes
Medical Notes: Medical info: He was recently neutered on 7/18/26. He also has a dry cough.
Allergies: No
Allergy info: Not reported
Veterinarian: ACC
Last vet check: 7/18/2026
For a New Family to Know: Description of this dog most of the time: Social/Affectionate
Where the dog spent most time: Where people are
Additional info: Not reported
For grooming, this dog: Other
Additional info: NA
Walks on leash rating: 1 - No pulling (loose-leash during the entire walk)
Walk Frequency: 1-2 times per day
Walk length of time: Na
Crate trained: Has never been crated
Hours in crate: 0
Type of crate: Na
During car rides, this dog: Loves car rides!
Additional info: Not reported
This dog knows the following cues:
A little bit of stay
Previous owner's favorite things about the dog:
He is very cuddly and sweet and wants to be a companion at all times
This dog's favorite activities/toys/food/snacks:
Squeaky toys, playing fetch, receiving cuddles
Type of food the dog eats: Dry Food
Brand of food: Royal cannin
Leon was recently returned to the care center following concerning behaviors in the home. Leon quickly escalated to biting when they attempted to remove him from the couch and when they attempted to take a toy from him. These bites did not break skin but did leave a scar from his teeth grazing them. During his previous stay in the care center, Leon was noted to snap at the handler when they picked him up to return him to kennel. Due to the detailed behavior, we recommend an experienced adult only home.
*Previous assessments can be given upon request*
ASSESSMENT NOTES
Date of assessment: 8/3/2026
Summary: Leon was returned to the care center following behavior concerns in the home. In the trial adoptersā home, Leon was reported to nip and bite them consistently; these bites have not broken skin but have left scratches. When Leon first arrived in the home, he immediately jumped on the couch. When the TAās partner attempted to move him cautiously, Leo snapped and bit their finger. When the partner moved their hand away, Leon redirected and bit the TA on the knee. After that incident, the TA and their partner avoided letting Leon on the couch. The second incident occurred later that same day. The TAās partner was playing fetch with Leon. Leon had played fetch multiple times throughout the day and did not show any signs of resource guarding. During the incident, the TAās partner went to pick up the toy, and Leon started growling and bit them on their hand. The partner retreated and gave Leon space; however, Leon chased after the partner and continued to bite them. Biting the partner on the leg and knee. Leon then proceeded to bite and hold onto the partnerās shorts. The partner kept moving away quickly and retreating. However, Leon continued chasing them and growling and attempting to bite them until they were cornered against the stairs. The TA started making noise with the treat bag, and that was the only thing that stopped Leon. During his previous stay in care, Leon was observed to be fearful and would escalate to snapping at the handlerās hand when they attempted to return him to the kennel. Due to the quick escalation in behavior observed while in the home, Leon is not a candiate for a handling assessment at this time.
Summary: According to Leon's previous owner(s), Leon was friendly with unfamiliar dogs while on leash while in their care.
8/26/5: Leon is introduced to a novel intact male and is neutral while sniffing nose to nose through the fence. He disengages and interacts with his handler. He reapproaches remaining neutral and then sniffs in the catch pen. He is let into the yard and engages in mutual sniffing remaining neutral and walks away, greeting handlers. He is tolerant of the other dog sniffing him from behind and independently explores. He is then introduced to a novel neutered male and is neutral standing nearby the gate but does not have interest in sniffing through the gate. He is then introduced to a novel intact male and approaches the fence, sniffing nose to nose remaining neutral but quickly disengages and solicits attention from handlers. He is led to the fence and briefly sniffs the other dog before disengaging, showing no interest in continued interaction.
8/18/26: Leon is introduced to a novel spayed female and approaches the fence with a neutral body, quickly disengaging and interacting with handlers. He reapproaches often and eventually the other dog comes forward and the two sniff nose to nose through the fence while he remains neutral and gives a couple mid level wags. The other dog is let into the yard and Leon attempts to sniff but the other dog scurries away. He attempts to follow and sniff but is calm when the other dog does not reciprocate interaction and explores the yard instead.
Summary (6): 08/25/26: Leon is at the front of his kennel as handler approaches, he is leashed easily and exits kennel following handler and accepting treats along the way. He is taken to the street with handler and walks without issue, he passes people on the street without reaction and will jump on handler socially seeking attention. Leon will lean into handler and seek pets, rolling over and accepting belly rubs. Leon is walked for a while more until he is eventually brought back inside. Leon is returned to kennel without issue and interaction is ended shortly after.
Summary (7): 8/18/26: Leon is at the front of his kennel with a soft body; the handler clips his harness and brings him out the room. Leon approaches two familiar handlers with a loose body after he sniffs them; he is then brought to the yard for playgroup (see D2D notes). Before the interaction, Leon approaches the other handlers with a wiggly body, soliciting pets; he also lays on his back to receive pets on his belly. After the interaction. the handler brings Leon inside; he refuses to enter on his own, so the handler tosses some treats into kennel and uses a bit of leash pressure to get him inside.
8/12/26: Leon is at the front of his kennel with a loose body; he is easily leashed and brought out the room. Once outside, the handler walks Leon past a few large dogs, but he doesn't react them. Leon walks ahead with mild leash tension; he exhibits playful behavior with the handler and allows pets. He approaches familiar handlers with a loose body and takes treats from them. Upon entry, the handler tosses treats into his kennel and Leon jumps in to eat them; the handler removes their leash with ease.
8/12/26: Leon is reported to snap at the handler when he was returned to his kennel. Later on, he is moved down to the bottom kennel.
8/2/26: Leon is standing in his kennel with a soft body and wagging tail. He is easily leashed and picked up from his top kennel. On the street, he walks slowly with a neutral body. He ignores passersby. He gets on his hind legs and leans in for pets from the handler. He takes treats and allows leash clipping and is returned to kennel with ease.
7/15/26: Leon comes to the front of his kennel as the handler approaches. He sniffs their hand with a neutral body and low tail. He allows leashing and pick up and is brought to the street. He does not pull and does not react to people. He walks with a slightly tense body and low tail. He is picked up and brought to the assessment room (see notes) then returned to kennel. As he is being lifted into kennel, he turns his head around with an open mouth towards the handlers hand. Next he goes for the other hand and the handler pulls it away and shuts the door quickly. He becomes animated and vocalizes (mostly whining) and jumps and paws at the door.
Date of intake:: 7/12/2026
Summary: Fearful allowed all handling
Date of initial: 7/14/2026
Summary: Body relaxed; easily examined
ENERGY LEVEL: We have no history on Leon so we cannot be certain of their behavior in a home environment. However, they will need daily mental and physical activity to stay engaged and exercised. We recommend long-lasting chews, food puzzles, and hide-and-seek games, in addition to physical exercise, to positively direct their energy and enthusiasm.
BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION: New Hope Only
Recommendations: No children (under 13),Place with a New Hope partner
Recommendations comments: No children (under 13): Due to the multiple bite history, we recommend an adult only home.
We recommend placement with a New Hope rescue partner who is able to provide an experienced, adult-only foster home. Force-free, reward based training and/or consultation with a professional trainer/behaviorist is highly recommended.
Potential challenges:
House soiling,
Resource guarding,
Handling/touch sensitivity,
Fearful/potential for defensive aggression,
Multiple-bite history/risk of future aggression,
Bite history (human)
Potential challenges comments:
House Soiling: Leon's trial adopter states that he had daily accidents. We recommend positive reinforcement, reward-based training only. Accidents should never be punished as this will likely make the problem worse. Please see handout on House Soiling.
Resource Guarding: During his trial adoption Leon quickly escalated to biting when they attempted to take a toy from him. Nothing should ever be taken directly out of Leon's mouth, and any time something is removed they should be rewarded with a high value treat or toy. Please see handout on Resource Guarding.
Handling Sensitivity/ Fearful Defensive: Leon is observed to be timid with handlers. Noted to have a tense body and low tail when his assessment starts. However, he does warm up over time and begins to see contact. However, when the handler picked up Leon to return him to kennel, he snaps at both their hands. This does not make contact. During his trial adoption Leon quickly escalated to biting when they attempted to move him off the couch. They also state that he will bark and growl when his collar is touched. Positive reinforcement, reward based training should be used to pair touch with good things such as food rewards in order to teach Leon to be more comfortable with this. Please see handout on Handling and Touch Sensitivity.
Multiple Bite History/ Bite History (Human): Escalating to biting is a behavior that Leon has rehearsed repeatedly. This behavior is likely to continue as it has become part of Leon's repertoire, and will need careful management to work toward reducing triggers for Leon and reducing the resulting bites. Please see handout on Bite History and Potential for Future Aggression.
MEDICAL EXAM NOTES
7/14/2026
DVM Intake Exam
Estimated age: 2-4 years based on the condition of teeth and eyes
Microchip noted on Intake? Negative
History: Brought in by police
Subjective:
BAR H pink 1 sec
Observed Behavior -
Body relaxed; easily examined, pretty friendly but not OK with oral exam or some tasks
Evidence of Cruelty seen -
No
Objective
P = 120hr
R = 40rr
BCS 4/9
EENT: Eyes clear, ears clean, no nasal or ocular discharge noted
Oral Exam: some calculus accumulation on canines. Squinching mouth shut super tight so really hard to see teeth well.
PLN: No enlargements noted
H/L: NSR, NMA, CRT < 2, Lungs clear, eupneic
ABD: Non painful, no masses palpated
U/G: MI te**es x 2
MSI: Ambulatory x 4, skin free of parasites, no masses noted, healthy hair coat but matted, especially around face, eyes, chin, forelimbs
CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities
Assessment
Apparently healthy
Prognosis:
Good
Plan:
Intake procedures
ACR for sedated grooming
SURGERY:
Okay for surgery
7/14/2026
Performed sedated grooming with 0.4 dexdom IM , 0.4 torb IM bottle # 73. Reversed with 0.4 ml Antisedan IM as per Dr. 2671
7/17/2026
Pre-surgical exam, anesthesia, and surgery performed by offsite vet. Medical record uploaded to Vet Documents.
Green linear tattoo placed lateral to incision.
Start 1/2 tab of carprofen 25mg sid po x2 days as pain management
7/17/2026
[Dispensing Medication]
Carprofen is being dispensed to the client. In compliance with Bouy's Law, a written client information sheet was included with the prescription. The handout was downloaded from Plumb'sā¢ and discloses all required information regarding the use of this drug, side effects and missed dose and handling instructions.
7/30/2026
SO:
BAR, comes to kennel door
eent: eyes clear, mucoid nasal dc apparent
h/l: eupneic, sniffling and sneezing appreciated
msi: ambulatory x4
neuro: mentation alert and appropriate
A:
CIRDC
P:
75mg doxycycline PO SID x10d
8/1/2026
disregard
8/11/2026
No CIRDC symptoms
Plan
ok for adoption.
8/13/2026
Reported snapping at leash on return to kennel
Starting 50mg trazodone PO BID indefinitely
TO ADOPT DIRECTLY FROM THE SHELTER - please download the NYC AC app from the App Store and fill out the adoption application there.
Dogs with NH ONLY rating cannot be adopted directly from the ACC, so please message our page for assistance .
TO ADOPT or FOSTER: If you cannot get to the shelter in person to adopt, or want to foster, please message our page (Must Love Dogs - Saving NYC) Must Love Dogs - Saving NYC Dogs)
OR email [email protected] for guidance and assistance.
PLEASE NOTE: To foster, you have to be within prescribed range of NYC ACC approved New Hope rescues you are applying with,
and to adopt you will have to be in the general NE US area; NY, NJ, CT, PA, DC, MD, DE, NH, RI, MA, VT & ME (some rescues will transport to VA).
Shelter contact information:
Phone number: 212-788-4000 (automated only)
Email: [email protected]
Manhattan Animal Care Center
326 East 110th Street
New York, NY 10029
Staten Island Animal Care Center
3139 Veterans Road West
Staten Island, NY 10309
Queens Animal Care Center
1906 Flushing Ave
Ridgewood, NY 11385
Adoption hours:
Monday through Friday: 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Saturday and Sunday: 11:00 am to 5:00 pm
(Closed on all Holidays and Training Days, as listed on their website www.nycacc.org)
Adoption fees depend on dog's age. Please email the ACC for more info. Fees include pre-adoption medical care and vaccines, deworming,
spay/neutering and one free follow-up visit to specific veterinarians.
Open for donation drop off:
Monday ā Sunday (10am ā 6pm)
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* NYC ACC RATING SYSTEM *
All adopters/foster go through screening process set by NYCACC, which involves submission of pertinent documents, an interview with ACC adoption counselors, to determine if dog is suitable for the home. Dogs can go beyond Northeastern States as long as the adopters go to the ACC in person to pick up the dog.
Level 1
Dogs can go to homes with little dog experience, with children no younger than 5 years old.
Level 2
Dogs can go to homes with some previous dog experience, and with no children under 5 years old.
Level 3
Dogs can go to homes with more experience, and with no children under 13 years old.
Level 4
Dogs can go to ADULTS ONLY homes with very experienced adopters or fosters
NHO
Dogs need to be pulled by a New Hope Rescue, homes would be screened by a New Hope rescue and by the ACC, for suitability. Adopters, fosters need to be highly experienced, and have no children below 18 years of age
