Sign: Depraved Man Admits to Fatally Kicking Friend’s Dog and Torching the Body

Published: August 18, 2025 at 08:22 PM Author: Penny Eims

Queens, New York – In late July, 29-year-old Isaiah Gurley brutally kicked his friend’s dog to death while pet-sitting. By his admission, Gurley continued to kick his friend’s pit bull until the dog died from his injuries.

Gurley made the abhorrent crime even more disturbing and heartbreaking by what he did next…visiting a Rockaway Boulevard deli to steal oil and then dragging his canine victim to a residential street in South Ozone Park, where surveillance video from homes in the area show him dousing the dog in accelerant and setting him on fire.

Gurley was arrested on July 28 after a witness recognized him inside the Queens Center mall and contacted the police. Justice for the dog slain by Gurley was short-lived because lax bail laws in the area resulted in his release from jail.

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz realizes the severity of this crime, saying:

“Animals are not punching bags. They are not toys. They have every right to proper care, just as humans do. The allegations in this case are heart wrenching as the defendant is accused of killing the dog before dragging the lifeless body and setting it on fire. We will use all tools available to hold the defendant responsible for his alleged actions.”

Isaiah Gurley kicked his friend’s dog to death and then dragged the dog’s lifeless body to a street where it was set on fire. This is despicable, and he must face serious repercussions! Please add your name today to help Animal Victory push for the maximum jail sentence allowed by law!

The Facts, at a Glance

• Isaiah Gurley, 29, admits to kicking his friend’s pit bull to death while dog-sitting.
• After killing the dog, he torched the corpse in Ozone Park, setting the body on fire using a stolen accelerant.
• Gurley faces multiple charges: aggravated animal cruelty, fifth-degree arson, reckless endangerment, and petit larceny.
• Under New York state law, the charges he faces are not bail-eligible, so although charged, he was released on supervised release pending trial.
• If convicted of the charges, he could face up to two years in prison.
  Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz condemned the act as horrifying, emphasizing that “Animals are not punching bags. They are not toys.”

Target: Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz

WHY THIS PETITION MATTERS: 

We, the undersigned, demand that Isaiah Gurley be held accountable for fatally kicking a dog and then setting the dog’s body on fire. Gurley admitted to this despicable act of cruelty and now he must be held accountable. Laws must recognize the actual seriousness of animal abuse and ensure that those who commit these cruel acts are held fully accountable.

Research has consistently shown a strong link between animal cruelty and human violence. Individuals who commit such heinous acts against animals often pose a threat to society as a whole, as animal abuse is frequently a precursor to other violent crimes. Failing to hold this man accountable not only denies justice to the innocent dog who suffered a gruesome death but also endangers the community at large. We must send a clear message that such cruelty will not be tolerated.

Individuals are presumed innocent until found guilty in a court of law. Animal Victory relies upon the authorities and the court system to determine guilt or innocence.

Note: Isaiah Gurley is charged with: Petit Larceny – Misdemeanor, Arson 5, Intent Property Damage – Misdemeanor, Reckless endangerment – Misdemeanor, Criminal Mischief – Class D Felony, Criminal Possession of Stolen Property – Class D Felony (Value: $3,000), Aggravated Cruelty to Animals – Class E Felony, Harm Service Animal – Misdemeanor 2nd Degree. He is scheduled to appear in court on September 17, 2025.

News:

Queens District Attorney Press Release

New York Post

CBS New York

New York Daily News

Update 12/15/2025: The next hearing for Isiah Burley is March 24, 2026, before Judge Michael Yavinsky, Case IND-73311-25/001.

Update 11/19/2025: The next appearance for Isaiah Burley is 12/15/2025. This scheduled hearing is to confirm or contest the findings of a report. Case IND-73311-25/001

Update 10/2/2025: Isaiah Gurley’s next appearance is scheduled for 11/18/2025 at 9:00 a.m. before Judge Michael Yavinsky.

Update 9/22/2025: Defendant Isaiah Gurley was indicted by the Grand Jury (no indictment date provided). His next appearance is on 09/30/2025 at 9:00 a.m. Queen’s Supreme Criminal Court, 125-01 Queens Boulevard before Judge Michael Yavinsky. The next appearance is an arraignment. The case number has been changed to IND-73311-25/001.

Update 8/31/2025: Animal Victory sent petition with updated signatures to the DA and Judge.