Authorities to 'crack down' on animal sacrifices in New York after dog, pig carcasses found in Jamaica Bay

New York City and federal park authorities are ramping up enforcement after a disturbing rise in animal sacrifices near Jamaica Bay in Queens. A recent report by the New York Post detailed an increase in ritualistic killings of animals, including chickens, pigs, and rats, believed to be part of religious ceremonies in the area.

Following these reports, the National Park Service (NPS) announced plans to install mobile lights by the Addabbo Bridge in Spring Creek Park to deter nighttime animal torture and killings. An NPS spokesperson also confirmed that additional police patrols will be deployed in the area to prevent further incidents.

Since July, at least eight animals have been found either dead or severely injured in the vicinity. Authorities discovered five wounded pigs, a nearly dead rat stuffed in a bag with chicken bones, and the carcass of a dog with a broken neck. City Councilwoman Joann Ariola emphasized that the New York City Parks Department will be increasing overnight patrols, particularly in areas such as Sunset Cove Park, where the remains have been found.

“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 said to the New York Post. “Animals should not be getting tortured and mutilated for any reason. This ends now.”

Rescuers as well as a local religious leader have suggested that a sect of Hindu devotees in the area by Jamaica Bay are responsible for these animal sacrifices. But other religious groups in the surrounding area, including those who practice voodoo, have been known to use nearby beaches and parks to carry out rituals as well, per the New York Post.