It's not cute, it's cruelty: Dog abuse at the ballpark
The above picture is a familiar sight to Mets fans as they walk toward the Jackie Robinson Rotunda. And it pisses me off every time.
What kind of life is this? "Coffee" is dressed up and forced to sit upright for hours on end so that her owner can make an easy buck.
I don't blame fans for snagging a quick selfie for their Insta. But it's not cute, it's animal cruelty played out right in front of our noses. Casual fans might assume this is a random appearance and not think twice. It's not.
Every game Coffee and her friend (not sure of the name) panhandle outside the ballpark. The doggie union must have finally stepped in, because they seem to take turns now. Rain or shine, chilly nights or the dead of summer, they're out there. Back in 2011, this did garner some media attention and there was an investigation that found no wrongdoing, but it's been crickets ever since. This Facebook page was created, but hasn't posted about the situation since 2014. Not quite sure why the outrage stopped, but Norberto Fernandez is still making money hand-over-fist thanks to, what are basically, his slaves. The Mets did release a statement in 2011. "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." Supposedly Coffee was a rescue that was taken off the streets and given a home. Word is that Norberto is a dog trainer, which in theory sounds like a noble cause. But if he's taking these dogs in to be his employees, that's some bullshit. While not confirmed, it's been speculated that the dogs are scared into submission from the use of a shock collar hidden under a bandana. When checked up on, it wasn't in use, but I've seen the collar and remote with my own eyes on numerous occasions. This world is filled with hustlers, and I have no problem tossing bucks to street performers. Learn an instrument, show off their talents, sing, dance. If this guy is abusing a dog and profiting from it to boot? That's disgusting. Since this seems to be out of the Mets' control, we should try to take it upon ourselves to spread the word. Stop giving money to Norberto. Maybe he'll have to start working for himself.
11 Responses
Catherine Thompson
Agree with you 100%. Perhaps next season we (7 Line Army members) complain to the Mets individually? Thinking if the Mets got over 1000 separate complaints in a short period of time they might re-think their policy.
Pete
Thanks for posting about this Darren. It’s abuse of the dogs. Needs to stop.
Brian O'Leary
This doesn’t sit right with me. Excuses of the dog is a rescue, or giving the dog a home is just a BS story. The dog I saw didn’t look too thrilled being there, and it is 100% enslavement. Maybe 1 or a few people could have a set-up near him to vocally and visually inform what’s happening here, to discourage and avert people from this.
Sammigirl
I love the idea of going to the news with it!!! Getting it out there is the best way!
Chris
Disgusting. And no surprise that Marlins Man shows up in this. Gross.
Greg Packer
I happened to have been at Fridays Mets Nationals game and Saw that some guy was being funny taking the Dogs pipe out of it’s mouth.bad enough that "Coffee"is being exploited but to see “coffee” being teased in any way shape or form is worse.Hopefully,If no one is willing to get involved like you’re saying here Darren,Then let’s bring this situation to the attention of Animal rights Groups like PETA and ALF
Debbie
I have been disgusted about this for years, and was shocked when the ASPCA declared it was not cruelty! The “owner” is a piece of scum, and you are right the poor dog (s) is there EVERY game, in the bitter cold of April nights and the devastatingly hot afternoons in July and August.
Several of years ago that POS put up a sign saying, in effect, don’t be cheap-if you want a selfish you have to pay for it!!
Maybe it seems like a novelty to people who haven’t seen it before, but IMHO that’s no excuse for people being so stupid and insensitive and uncompassionate about animals. The ONLY way this POS will stop doing this is if people ignore the dog and don’t leave a dime!! The Mets say they can’t do anything about it on “free” property…I wonder how long they’d look the other way if someone stood there everyday in a costume or with a sign urging people not to buy Mets tickets or merchandise until the greedy, scummy owners sell the team? I bet that person would be “dissuaded” from returning in less than 48 hours!!
If you know how to mount a campaign to stop this man from using innocent dogs as forced labor…I would be happy to assist and join in.
Adam Silver
Contact the SPCA at either 311 or 911 if’s in progress, and they will investigate, and hoaoefully, find her a safe and loving home.
Harvey P.
I’ve seen the dog in Yankee regalia outside the Stadium.
Tezza
Maybe reach out to ASPCA Animal control officers. What about CBS Shame On You segment?…
mercedes rogalewski
My friend Jason Scott was the one who first reported this and started the investigation. He has since moved down south though. Worth opening up again though
Leave a comment
Comments will be approved before showing up.
Also in The 7 Line Blog
The 7 Line 7K 2025
We hope you'll join us for the 2nd annual T7L7K! The inaugural event far exceeded our expectations and we know 2025 will be even greater. Run (or walk) with us through Flushing Meadows Corona Park, up to the Shea Stadium base paths, and back.
Buy One Get One Free Deals!
Darren Meenan
Author
T7L Founder / Owner - Follow Darren on Twitter | Follow Darren on Instagram