A 1-year-old Bernedoodle was injured in an unprovoked stabbing while being walked by its owners near Union Square in Manhattan on the evening of Friday, December 26, 2025. The dog required emergency surgery following the incident, which the New York City Police Department (NYPD) is investigating as animal cruelty.
Story Highlights
- A Bernedoodle named Hazel was stabbed in an unprovoked attack near 14th Street and Union Square West.
- The dog was walking with its owner, Orly Nhaissi, and her 13-year-old son, Elijah.
- The dog sustained a deep wound and required emergency surgery at BluePearl Pet Hospital.
- The family reported veterinary expenses exceeding $3,200.
- The NYPD is investigating the incident as animal cruelty; no arrests have been made.
Incident Details
On Friday, December 26, 2025, at approximately 7:00 p.m., a 1-year-old Bernedoodle named Hazel was stabbed while walking with its owners, Orly Nhaissi and her 13-year-old son, Elijah, near the intersection of 14th Street and Union Square West in Manhattan. The family was walking home from a bakery when the incident occurred.
According to Ms. Nhaissi, a male subject approached them from behind and, after reportedly yelling, “You’re an idiot,” stabbed the dog in its rear right side with a knife described as having a pink sheath and black blade. The family stated the man laughed following the attack and then fled the scene. Elijah briefly pursued the individual before his mother called him back.
Family Claims Their Dog Was Stabbed by a Stranger During a Walk on N.Y.C. Street: 'It's Really Devastating' https://t.co/K2cAz2seCR
— People (@people) December 27, 2025
Dog’s Condition and Recovery
Hazel suffered a deep knife wound and was immediately transported to BluePearl Pet Hospital, where she underwent emergency surgery. The family reported that veterinary bills associated with the emergency treatment exceeded $3,200. As of late December 2025, Hazel is recovering at home with a drainage tube and bandages. Her owners anticipate that a full recovery is expected to take approximately three months.
Official Response
The New York City Police Department is actively investigating the incident as a case of animal cruelty. As of late December 2025, no arrests have been made in connection with the stabbing. The family noted the psychological impact of witnessing the violence against their pet.
Watch the report: Family Says Stranger Stabbed Their Dog During NYC Walk
Sources
Family Claims Their Dog Was Stabbed by a Stranger During a Walk on N.Y.C. Street: ‘It’s Really Devastating:’
Family Claims Their Dog Was Stabbed by a Stranger During a Walk on N.Y.C. Street: ‘It’s Really Devastating’
Family Claims Their Dog Was Stabbed by a Stranger During a Walk on N.Y.C. Street: ‘It’s Really Devastating’
