Half Of 33 Puppies Found In E Village Home Have New Homes: ASPCA

EAST VILLAGE, NY — Nearly half of the 33 dogs found filthy and starving in a sweltering East Village apartment two weeks ago have found loving new homes after recovering at the ASPCA, an official with the non-profit said.

“ASPCA Animal Hospital and Adoption Center staff have worked diligently over the last two weeks to provide each dog with the medical attention and socialization they needed,” said Howard Lawrence, ASPCA vice president of humane law enforcement. “We’re pleased that nearly half of the dogs have already been placed in loving homes.”

The Shih Tzu-Terrier mixed pooches were found July 2 after police were called to Ivan Paredes' apartment in the Campos Plaza Houses after neighbors complained about a foul odor and non-stop barking coming from his ninth-floor apartment.

Paredes, 57, was charged with torturing and neglecting the pups at his East 13th Street apartment near Avenue B. He was issued a desk appearance ticket and is due in court Sept. 5, police said.

The ASPCA took the matted canines into custody and have nursed the dogs, who range from 4 months to 2-years-old, back to health.

Some of the puppies need a bit more time to heal before they are ready to be adopted.

"The remaining dogs will continue to receive treatment at the ASPCA Canine Annex for Recovery and Enrichment before they can be put up for adoption," said Lawrence. "This case illustrates how reporting animal cruelty can help dramatically improve the lives of vulnerable animals in New York City."

Photos courtesy of ASPCA