Over 100 Dogs Rescued From ‘Unimaginable’ Hoarding Case in Brooklyn On Their Way To A Better Life
Animal rescuers faced what they described as an “unimaginable week” after responding to a devastating hoarding case in Mill Basin, Brooklyn. Authorities discovered over 100 dogs living in horrific conditions after an elderly woman passed away in the home.
Animal Care Centers of NYC (ACC) was called to the scene, where responders found dogs crammed into filth, many of them sick and severely matted. In one heartbreaking moment, a dog “literally gave birth” in a rescuer’s arms during removal from the home.
Neighbors told local outlets that elderly sisters had lived in the home and claimed they had made complaints for years about the conditions. Police had reportedly opened an investigation prior to the woman’s death.
The massive rescue effort came just weeks after ACC rescued 40+ Belgian Malinois from a separate case in Queens. About this recent case, ACC wrote, “Many are severely matted, most appear sick, and one was actively giving birth as our team arrived. All have been living in unimaginable filth.”
Large teams were mobilized to clean the dogs and give them health checks before they went into the care of multiple rescues who stepped forward to help foster and rehabilitate the dogs. “Thanks to their unwavering compassion and the incredible support of our rescue partners 68 dogs have already left for loving homes and safe havens,” ACC wrote.
Among the rescues helping is Hudson Valley Animal Rescue and Sanctuary (HVARS) who after receiving an urgent call from Compassionate Animal Rescue Efforts of Dutchess County (CARE of DC), opened their doors to take in dozens of dogs.
“These dogs were found living in truly unimaginable conditions: crammed into filth, severely neglected, many covered in feces, urine, and painfully matted fur,” HVARS wrote. “Some were so weak they could barely stand. Among them were everything from fragile newborn puppies to extremely elderly seniors.”
HVARS and CARE of DC committed to taking in 40 of the dogs “a massive undertaking that will require weeks, even months, of medical treatment, rehabilitation, and resources.”
Animal transports, groomers, and advocates from across the region pitched in, and smaller rescue groups like Posh Pets Rescue and Muddy Paws Rescue also stepped forward to help.
“This rescue is a shining example of what’s possible when animal welfare groups come together,” HVARS wrote. “It truly takes a village in the rescue world — and we’re proud to be part of one that shows up when it matters most. We’re just at the beginning of this journey. These dogs have a long road to recovery — but now, they’re safe. They’re loved. And for the first time, they have a future.”
The rescue organizations involved could use help from people willing to open their hearts and homes to the adoptable dogs waiting for homes at these rescues to open up resources and space for these Brooklyn rescues. They are also in need of donations to help with medical care and rehabilitation: Hudson Valley Animal Rescue and Sanctuary , Compassionate Animal Rescue Efforts of Dutchess County, Animal Care Centers of NYC.
Read about one of the dogs rescued and how he is doing in foster care in our article “Dog Rescued From Hoarding Case Learns to Love After Just Three Days in Foster Care”