New York City and federal authorities are increasing efforts to address a disturbing rise in ritualistic [1] animal sacrifices [2] near Jamaica Bay in Queens.
Following recent reports of dead and maimed animals, including pigs, chickens, and rats, local and federal parks departments are stepping up patrols and introducing new measures to deter these incidents, which are believed to be linked to religious ceremonies.
The National Park Service (NPS) has announced plans to install mobile lights by the Addabbo Bridge in Spring Creek Park, a federally managed area, in an effort to prevent nighttime activities that involve the torture and killing of animals.
Additionally, NPS spokeswoman Daphne Yun confirmed that more police patrols will be deployed in the area to increase law enforcement visibility and crack down on these acts.
Since July, at least eight animals have been discovered dead or severely injured in the vicinity of Jamaica Bay.
Among the grisly findings were five injured pigs, a nearly dead rat found stuffed in a bag with chicken bones, and the carcass of a dog with a broken neck.
City Councilwoman Joann Ariola, who represents Queens, has been vocal in her response to the issue, emphasizing that both the New York City Parks Department and federal authorities are committed to ending this cruel practice.
Our animals need a louder voice in city government. I will keep fighting for the voiceless today and every day! pic.twitter.com/ZI2wF1j5Ob [3]
— Joann Ariola NYC Council District 32 (@JoannAriola32) September 13, 2024 [4]
“I’ve gotten in touch with my partners at both the federal and city level, and we are going to bring a new level of enforcement to the area and really crack down on this sickening behavior,” Ariola told the New York Post. “Animals should not be getting tortured and mutilated for any reason. This ends now.”
I promised that we were going to bring a new level of enforcement to the area and really crack down on this sickening behavior, and that’s exactly what’s being done.
Animals should not be getting tortured and mutilated for any reason. This ends now. https://t.co/If6lmrJ0Ye [5]
— Joann Ariola NYC Council District 32 (@JoannAriola32) September 14, 2024 [6]
In addition to the federal measures, the New York City Parks Department has pledged to increase overnight patrols in Sunset Cove Park, located in Broad Channel, where other remains have been found.
The added resources are intended to deter those who may be using these areas for religious ceremonies involving animal sacrifice, which often occur under the cover of darkness.
Animal rescue organizations and local community leaders have been pressing for more action to address the situation.
Sloane Quealy, president of Zion’s Mission Animal Rescue, praised the increased enforcement as a positive step but called for even more patrols to prevent further cruelty. “Until then, we’re going to do 12 a.m. to 6 a.m. walks, just to see about interrupting anything that’s going on,” Quealy said.
The origins of the ritualistic killings are still under investigation, but some local religious leaders have suggested that a sect of Hindu devotees in the Jamaica Bay area may be responsible for the animal sacrifices.
Other groups practicing voodoo have also been known to use nearby beaches and parks for similar ceremonies, according to the New York Post.
While religious freedom is constitutionally protected, Ariola made it clear that torturing and killing animals, regardless of the religious context, is unacceptable.
The increased patrols and new lighting are part of a broader effort to protect both the animals and the local community from the impacts of these gruesome acts.
The National Park Service’s decision to install mobile lights and enhance patrols follows the New York Post’s recent exposé on the surge of animal sacrifices in the area.
The report highlighted the increase in the number of mutilated animals found near Jamaica Bay, drawing attention to the need for stronger enforcement and better surveillance in these areas.
The mobile lights are expected to deter individuals from conducting rituals under the cover of darkness, making it more difficult for them to carry out illegal activities unnoticed.
Councilwoman Ariola has been working closely with both federal and local officials to ensure that the issue is addressed swiftly and effectively. “This is a collaborative effort between the federal and city levels,” she said, noting that the combined resources of the National Park Service and the New York City Parks Department will help curb the incidents of animal torture.
Ariola and animal rescue groups continue to urge the public to report any suspicious activities they witness in or around Jamaica Bay.
They hope that increased community awareness, along with the stepped-up law enforcement presence, will bring an end to the surge of ritualistic killings that have plagued the area in recent months.
Though the reasons behind the animal sacrifices remain unclear, authorities are treating the matter as a serious violation of both state and federal laws.
Animal cruelty is punishable by fines and imprisonment in New York, and law enforcement officials are prepared to prosecute those responsible for the brutal treatment of animals in these public spaces.
As enforcement ramps up, residents of Queens and the surrounding areas are hopeful that the increased presence of law enforcement will put an end to the disturbing rise in animal sacrifices.
While religious practices are protected under the First Amendment, the authorities have made it clear that they will not tolerate any form of animal cruelty in the name of religion or otherwise.
For now, the mobile lights and additional patrols serve as a temporary solution as investigators work to determine who is responsible for the sacrifices and whether they are part of an organized effort.
In the meantime, animal rescue organizations and local leaders continue their calls for vigilance and cooperation in protecting the animals and preserving the safety and peace of the Jamaica Bay community.