BAYSIDE — Ginger, a cocker spaniel that was stolen Sunday night by two men who attacked its owner as she took a walk in Crocheron Park, was found dead in a pond at the park, according to the Parks Department.
Parks staff were notified by park-goers who spotted the dead dog in Golden Pond at about noon on Monday. The workers removed the dog from the water and called police and 911 before disposing of the body, Parks spokeswoman Meghan Lalor said.
Ginger's owner identified the dog as hers through photos that were taken of the body, Lalor said, adding that the NYPD continues to investigate the incident.
Lamont Paung, a friend of Ginger's owner, has set up a Facebook page asking the public to reach out with tips or any other information that might help with the investigation into the dog's death.
"At this point now, our attention must now be turned towards justice," a post on the Facebook page reads. "Our community cannot allow for this kind of deplorable behavior to go unnoticed and unpunished."
The dog's owner, who asked to be identified by her first name, Lora, previously told DNAinfo that she'd been walking with Ginger through one of the park's trails at about 10 p.m. Sunday when two men came up to her and asked about the dog.
When one of the men bent down to pet Ginger, the other sucker-punched Lora in the stomach, knocking her to the ground before the pair took off with the pup, police said.
Lora thought the men had driven away with Ginger because she heard a car wheels screech away shortly after the attack, she said.
People can send tips by emailing HelpLoraFindGinger@gmail.com.
