Overview

• ACC and ASPCA rescued 40 Belgian Malinois on May 8 from a Forest Hills apartment where the dogs were confined in cabinets, closets, and other cramped spaces without sunlight or fresh air.
• The dogs, ranging from puppies to adults, are extremely fearful and under-socialized, with many reportedly never having been outside before their rescue.
• ACC shelters are overcapacity, housing more than 200 dogs in Queens alone, prompting a fee-waived adoption campaign for dogs over 40 pounds and outreach to breed-specific rescues for placements.
• The NYPD’s Animal Cruelty Investigation Squad is actively investigating the case, but no arrests have been made as of now.
• Unconfirmed reports suggest three dogs have been euthanized due to their condition, though ACC has not provided confirmation, emphasizing the complexity of care decisions.