Man Charged For Hoarding Nearly 50 Dogs In Overcrowded NYC Apartment

QUEENS, NY — A 37-year-old man has arrested and charged after allegedly hoarding nearly 50 dogs and puppies in an overcrowded and dirty New York City apartment, officials said.

Isaak Yadgarov has been charged with 48 counts of aggravated cruelty to animals and neglect of an impounded animal, police said.

On May 8, 48 Belgian Malinois were rescued inside a Queens apartment located at 102-45 62 Rd. in Forest Hills.

According to the Animal Care Centers of NYC, the dogs allegedly had never been outside the apartment and some of the dogs were found in closets, cupboards or packed into tight spaces with no access to fresh air or sunlight.

Three of the dogs had to be reportedly euthanized due to their condition.

Police first discovered the dogs because Yadgarov was going through an eviction process and was looking to surrender the dogs to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Gothamist reported.

“They’ve likely never touched grass, walked on a leash, or met a stranger,” Biana Tamimi, ACC’s Director of Shelter Medicine, said in a statement. “Every new sound, every human interaction, is overwhelming. But we’re already seeing glimmers of curiosity— and that gives us hope.”

The non-profit is currently evaluating each dog, and at this time none of the dogs are currently available for adoption.

The NYPD Animal Cruelty Investigation Squad is investigating the incident.