Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
New Photo Shows Coffee The Baseball Dog Doesn't Have Teeth
By
Jen Carlson
Published May 22, 2011
Modified May 22, 2011
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Jen Carlson
Published May 22, 2011
Modified May 22, 2011
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Another photo of Coffee the dog was sent to us this morning, this one showing what appears to be the owner holding a shock collar remote, while putting a pipe in Coffee's mouth... which our tipster tells us contains adhesive. Also note that Coffee has no teeth. The Mets have released a statement regarding Coffee, saying, "We have addressed the matter with the NYPD and the Parks Department. As the Mets plaza is an open public space on parkland, the Mets cannot control access."
As for the Humane Society of the U.S. and the ASPCA, it doesn't look like they'll be taking action anytime soon. Patrick Kwan at the HSUS told us, "The apparent use of a shock collar to force this dog to participate in panhandling is certainly inhumane and an inappropriate use of such devices. The best way to help Coffee is to discourage people from giving money. Anyone who witnesses impediment of pedestrian traffic or aggressive behavior on the part of the panhandling owner should call 311. If the animal is in distress or neglected, witnesses should call the ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement department at (212) 876-7700, ext. 4450."
The ASPCA told us, "Our Humane Law Enforcement department has not received any complaints of cruelty concerning this matter." So, consider this... and this petition, and this Stop Abusing Coffee Facebook page (in which a number of people claim to have called the ASPCA)... a formal complaint.
Tagged
animal
animal abuse
Coffee the dog
dog
inhumane
mets
Jen Carlson
Jen Carlson is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
High-ranking NYC officials to testify in ex-buildings boss Eric Ulrich's corruption trial
Manhattan prosecutors say Ulrich’s predecessor at the buildings department will testify in the trial against him.
By
David Brand
Published Oct 19, 2026 at 3:47 p.m. ET
Mamdani launches new team to help NYers keep SNAP, Medicaid benefits
Nearly 1 million in the city risk losing benefits as a result of new federal restrictions.
By
Caroline Lewis
News
Mamdani launches new team to help NYers keep SNAP, Medicaid benefits
Nearly 1 million in the city risk losing benefits as a result of new federal restrictions.
By
Caroline Lewis
Riders at 53rd St. station where man was fatally shot say they worry about gun violence
By
Ramsey Khalifeh
These are the NYC neighborhoods that will get free 2-K next fall
By
Karen Yi
Early Addition: Get to know Wanda, the donkey in the Met's 'La Bohème'
By
James Ramsay
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .