N.Y.C. Admin. Code § 17-118: § 17-118 Putrid cargoes, et cetera, may be destroyed.

The department, when it shall judge it necessary, may cause any cargo or part thereof, or any matter or thing within the city, that may be putrid or otherwise dangerous to the public health, to be destroyed or removed. Such removal, when ordered, shall be to such place as the department shall direct; such removal or destruction shall be made at the expense of the owner or owners of the property so removed or destroyed. Money expended for the same may be recovered from such owner or owners, in an action at law by the department.