NEW YORK (PIX11) -- On Sunday, independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. released a video admitting to dumping the body of a dead black bear in Central Park a decade ago. On Monday, New York City's Department of Sanitation reminded New Yorkers how to properly dispose of a dead animal.
Private property owners are responsible for any animals found on their property, according to the city's website. The dead animal must be put in a heavy-duty black plastic bag or a double plastic bag with a label that identifies what is inside the bag. The bag should be left with other household trash for pickup.
For dead animals found on public property, New Yorkers can use 311 to report the animal, according to the website. There are a few exceptions when you will need to contact someone else within the city.
According to the city, do not put an animal in the garbage if it is showing signs of rabies. Instead, New Yorkers should call 911.
If the animal bit someone before it died, it should be reported to 311. If there is a cluster of dead animals in one area, report it here.
If a deer is found dead on private property, New Yorkers can submit a request to have the deer removed.
Jonathan Rizk is a digital journalist who has covered local news in New York City and Washington, D.C. He has been with PIX11 since August 2022. See more of his work here, and follow him on X and Facebook @OfficialRizk. Get in touch at jonathan.rizk@pix11.com.