Imagine living in a place where freedom is a foreign concept, and for over 40 Belgian Malinois dogs, this nightmare was their reality in a small Queens apartment.
At a Glance
- 48 Belgian Malinois and German Shepherd mix dogs were rescued from a single, squalid apartment in Queens, NY.
- The owner, Isaac Yadgarov, is facing a 96-count indictment for animal cruelty and neglect.
- The rescue was a joint operation between the ASPCA and Animal Care Centers of NYC (ACC).
- After weeks of rehabilitation, the first puppies from the rescue are now available for adoption.
A “Heartbreaking” Hoarding Case
In what officials are calling “one of the most heartbreaking hoarding cases we’ve ever seen,” 48 dogs were rescued in early May from a cramped and unsanitary apartment in Queens. The dogs, a mix of Belgian Malinois and German Shepherds ranging in age from three weeks to three years, had reportedly never been outside and were discovered hidden in closets and cupboards.
The rescue was a collaborative effort between the ASPCA and the Animal Care Centers of NYC (ACC) after the dogs’ owner, Isaac Yadgarov, was evicted and surrendered the animals. Tragically, three of the dogs were in such poor condition due to severe neglect that they had to be humanely euthanized.
Justice for the Neglected
Following the rescue, the Queens District Attorney’s Office has filed a 96-count indictment against Yadgarov. According to the New York Post, the charges include 48 counts of overdriving, torturing, and injuring an animal, as well as 48 counts of failing to provide proper sustenance. If convicted, he could face up to a year in prison.
A Journey to Recovery
The surviving dogs were transported to recovery facilities for immediate medical and behavioral care. The ASPCA took in 14 of the most vulnerable animals to its specialized rehabilitation center.
“This rescue operation is a stark reminder of the need to address and prevent animal cruelty in New York City,” said Matt Bershadker, ASPCA President and CEO. “These Belgian Malinois mixes… are finally receiving the love and care they deserve. We look forward to witnessing their journey to new homes where they will be free to experience life as a beloved pet—likely for the first time.”
That journey has now begun. After weeks of dedicated care, the ASPCA has announced that the first group of puppies from the rescue are healthy, socialized, and ready for adoption. The pups, given names like “Lafayette” after New York City streets, represent a hopeful new chapter after a horrific start to life.
