Groucho Marx was a one-year-old puppy who loved to play with his toys. Tragically, his playtime came to a sudden halt on  Saturday afternoon; the New York Animal Care Center in Manhattan decided it was his time to die. No one came for him; one last romp with his favorite ball, and he was gone.

A volunteer offered her views:

“WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU ARE A YOUNG, HEALTHY PUPPY, BRIMMING WITH LIGHT AND LOVE, BUT HOMELESS AND LOST AND AFRAID IN ENORMOUS NYC AND YOU FIND YOURSELF IN ONE OF THEIR DIRTY, LOUD, CHAOTIC SHELTERS?! YOU GET FAST TRACKED TO THE EUTHANASIA LIST!”

Groucho Marx had been labeled as “Rescue Only” limiting his chances for adoption, but was it fair?

“It’s a broken system and instead of giving these sweet, loving dogs time to acclimate, they prefer to put them at risk, rather than be bothered to work with them. The shelter posted this video on the same day they kill listed him and entitled it – “Groucho…Opening Up!” So, just when they are seeing real progress with him – they kill list him?! It’s atrocious and barbaric! This is a healthy puppy, full of potential. And GROUCHO MARX has been proven to readily seek attention from handlers, is playful, affectionate, responsive, good with other dogs and listens to commands.”

https://www.facebook.com/mldsavingnycdogs/videos/2307927242819432/

Rest in peace Groucho Marx. You didn’t get a fair chance.