Man Faces Jail Time For Hoarding Nearly 50 Dogs In NYC Apartment, DA Says

QUEENS, NY —A 37-year-old man has been arraigned on charges after allegedly hoarding nearly 50 dogs and puppies in an overcrowded and dirty New York City apartment, prosecutors said.

Isaak Yadgarov faces up to a year in jail and has been charged with 48 counts of aggravated cruelty to animals and neglect of an impounded animal.

“The defendant is accused of hoarding 48 Belgian Malinois in a cramped and filthy apartment filled with the animals’ excrement," Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said. "At least three of the dogs were too sick to be saved and had to be humanely euthanized due to neglect. We must do better for the animals of this borough."

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

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.

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.

“This rescue operation is a stark reminder of the need to address and prevent animal cruelty in New York City,” Matt Bershadker, ASPCA president & CEO said. “The ASPCA is thankful to have the comprehensive and compassionate support of our partners at Animal Care Centers of NYC to address complex animal welfare issues citywide.

Yadgarov's next court date is Aug. 5, and he could spend up to a year behind bars if convicted.