Protesters outrage over alleged abuse of pipe-smoking Mets dog: ‘Absolutely cruel’
A longtime fan-favorite sight outside Citi Field is facing renewed criticism from animal rights activists. The “Mets Dogs” — pit bulls dressed in Mets gear who pose for photos with fans — are being called out as victims of alleged mistreatment.
Lia, a pipe-holding pit bull often seen in sunglasses, a Mets jersey, and a cowboy hat, has become the center of the controversy. She and three other dogs have been present at every home game for 17 years, rain or shine — but some fans say the tradition has gone too far.
Mike Amory, a Greenpoint-based therapist and animal rights advocate, has been staging protests at every home game since August. Dressed in dog gear to mirror Lia’s outfit, he says the dogs’ subdued behavior and exposure to extreme weather raise serious concerns.
“I love the Mets, but this puts a black mark on the experience,” said Amory, who also alleges that Lia wears a shock collar hidden under her bandana. “You never see her walk around or interact. She just sits there, like she’s shut down.”
He’s not alone. On Wednesday night, two additional protestors joined him outside the stadium. One woman shouted at passing fans, urging them not to donate money to the dog’s handler.
The man behind the “Mets Dogs” is Charlie Fernandez, who insists the animals are not being mistreated. He says he’s a professional trainer, not a panhandler, despite the donation sign that reads: “Thank you for the picture. But don’t forget. I don’t like cheap people.”
Speaking to The Post in Spanish, Fernandez denied any abuse. At the publication’s request, he removed Lia’s outfit to show she was not wearing a shock collar. Instead, ice packs were found inside her bandana — though they were no longer cold. A nearby water bowl was present but remained untouched while reporters observed.
Fernandez claimed he is the one being targeted unfairly, sharing hostile messages he’s received online. “If my dog didn’t want the pipe, she’d spit it out,” he said. “You can’t force a dog to do something it doesn’t want to do.”
The ASPCA confirmed it had investigated the matter after a referral from the NYPD and found no evidence of abuse or neglect.
Still, some fans remain uneasy. “He’s out there for hours in all weather,” said Queens resident Justin Guardino, 26. “The dog doesn’t even pant. Something seems off.”
Others, however, defend Fernandez. Longtime fan Bonnie Paley, 66, said she’s seen the dogs for years and never found the act problematic. “I think it’s entertaining,” she said. Another fan, Tom Nyhus, 63, added, “People dress up their dogs all the time. I don’t see the harm.”
A Mets spokesperson told The Post that the organization has no affiliation with Fernandez or his dogs and does not endorse the practice.
As the Mets beat the Phillies 6-0 on Wednesday, Fernandez packed up Lia and said he planned to return with another dog after the game — controversy or not.
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