Action Alerts From Animal Defenders of Westchester (ADOW)


COMPLAINTS NEEDED: DEPLORABLE BEAR KILLING IN HARRISON

From: Animal Defenders of Westchester (ADOW)
June 9, 2025

On June 2, a bear cub enjoying his walk around Harrison, NY was shot and killed by local police. The bear was never aggressive or acting 'erratically;' at one point he was napping in a neighbor's yard.

VIDEO (This is graphic): https://abc7ny.com/post/bear-wandering-around-westchester-county-neighborhood-killed-police-due-lack-tranquelizers/16654679/

Neighbors had been 'thrilled and delighted' to see him - and were horrified when this beautiful animal was pointlessly killed. 'He laid on the ground moaning and crying because he didn't die from one shot. He suffered until he eventually died.' The bear was not a threat to anyone; he was shot while perched in a tree.

https://tinyurl.com/3msrn9y9

Shockingly, it has come to light that a wildlife expert was contacted by the Harrison police to ask if he could help tranquilize and relocate the bear; the expert said yes, he could be there in 10 minutes - and then Harrison police ignored him. Harrison police officials are telling the public they couldn't get help.

https://westchester.news12.com/wildlife-expert-releases-recording-of-him-offering-to-help-tranquilize-west-harrison-bear-after-police-resources-unavailable

The DEC instructed Harrison police to 'leave the animal alone so he could leave the area on his own.' The DEC refused to provide any other assistance tho they have offices all over NYS. Pls note: This animal was not 'euthanized' - he was killed. Sick animals are euthanized - this bear showed no signs of any illness.

BLACK BEARS ARE DESCRIBED BY THE DEC AS BEING 'LIKE BIG RACCOONS.' THEY'RE SHY, SOLITARY BEINGS WHO AVOID CONFLICT. PLEASE MAKE THE FOLLOWING CONTACTS; POLITELY STATE THAT, ESP IN 2025 SUCH ACTION TOWARD OUR WILDLIFE NEIGHBORS IS UNACCEPTABLE; A COORDINATED PROTOCOL MUST BE ESTABLISHED WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT FOR ALL ANIMALS TO BE TREATED INTELLIGENTLY AND HUMANELY - WITH LETHAL ACTION STRENUOUSLY AVOIDED. IN 2025 WE KNOW THAT ANIMALS ARE INTELLIGENT, SENTIENT AND LOVE THEIR BABIES LIKE WE LOVE OURS. OUR WILDLIFE IS FORCED OUT OF THEIR HOMES BY URBAN SPRAWL - AND IT IS A JOY TO ACTUALLY SEE ANY OF THEM EXCEPT IN A LOUSY ZOO.

GOVERNOR HOCHUL HAS PLEDGED TO INVESTIGATE THE NYSDEC AFTER THE 'PEANUT' INCIDENT
EMAIL: [email protected]
(PH): (518) 474-8390
COMMENTS CAN ALSO BE ADDED VIA GOV. HOCHUL'S WEBSITE:
https://www.governor.ny.gov/content/governor-contact-form

NYSDEC COMMISSIONER AMANDA LEFTON:
EMAIL: [email protected]
(PH) (518) 402-8013
COMMENTS CAN ALSO BE ADDED VIA THE COMMISSIONER'S WEBSITE:
https://dec.ny.gov/about/commissioner-and-executive-team/email-the-commissioner

The Westchester County District Attorney is investigating this incident:
WESTCHESTER COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY MARYANN LIEBOWITZ
EMAIL: [email protected]

NYS SENATOR SHELLEY MAYER - we have worked with Sen. Mayer on several animal protection issues:
EMAIL: [email protected]

HARRISON MAYOR RICH DIONISIO
EMAIL: [email protected]

Thank you for making these contacts; as the humane, decent people of NYS and beyond, this unnecessary cruelty must be avoided.
~~Animal Defenders of Westchester

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