Crime & Safety

Dozens Of Malnourished Dogs Discovered In East Village Apartment

Police found 33 Shih Tzu dogs starving and covered in filth in a man's East Village apartment, police said.

EAST VILLAGE, NY — A man is facing animal abuse charges after police discovered nearly three dozen filthy, starving dogs packed inside his East Village apartment, police said Thursday.

Police were called to Ivan Paredes' apartment in the Campos Plaza Houses on Monday at 1:15 p.m. after a slew of neighbors complained about a foul odor and non-stop barking coming from the apartment, police said. Paredes, 57, was busted for neglecting and torturing the 33 Shih Tzus in his East 13th Street apartment near Avenue B.

The ASPCA took the dogs into custody after the pups were found severely malnourished with matted feces-covered fur, officials said.

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“Our priority is to ensure that each dog has the food, water and medical attention they need,” said Howard Lawrence, with the ASPCA's Humane Law Enforcement. “This situation is a reminder that every New Yorker can make a difference for animals by reporting suspected cruelty to the police.”

Paredes was issued a desk appearance ticket and is due in court Sept. 5, police said.

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Photo courtesy of ASPCA

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