Nearly 70 Animals Assisted as ASPCA Responds to Multiple Cases in Tri-State Area

Over the past two weeks, our teams have been working tirelessly, deploying to multiple locations across New York to assist with the removal and transport of nearly 70 animals.

In mid-June, nine dogs, including four adults and five puppies, were removed from an apartment in the Bronx after the New York City Police Department (NYPD) received a complaint about the condition of the animals.

The dogs were found malnourished and reportedly living in unhealthy, unsanitary conditions. The young puppies were observed to be emaciated, dehydrated, covered in excrement and had significantly overgrown claws. Some of the dogs also had signs of severe ear and skin infections. Sadly, one deceased puppy was also removed from the apartment.

These dogs are now receiving much-needed ongoing care, including a carefully monitored refeeding plan for the emaciated puppies.

“These dogs, who were reportedly living in poor conditions where their basic needs were not being met, are now out of harm's way and receiving care thanks to the individual who reported this situation to the police," said Howard Lawrence, vice president of ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement. "Thank you to our partners at the NYPD and the Bronx District Attorney's Office for prioritizing animal welfare and helping us intervene when animals are in crisis."

A week later, at the request of the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office, we transported 31 cats to the ASPCA Adoption Center and other local shelter partners to receive ongoing care to prepare them for adoption.

These cats had been removed from extremely unsanitary, overcrowded and hazardous conditions in Glen Cove, New York, alongside 129 other cats.

"The ASPCA frequently responds to requests from law enforcement and animal welfare organizations across the country to provide critical support during largescale situations of suspected cruelty, helping to relieve some of the strain in local communities that may not have the space or resources to provide longer-term care for large populations of animals," said Elizabeth Brandler, vice president of ASPCA Cruelty Response. "We commend the local agencies that quickly mobilized to remove these cats from harm's way and look forward to seeing them thrive as we help to give them the second chance they deserve."

That same week, at the request of the NYPD, we removed nearly 30 animals from a property in the Ocean Hill neighborhood of Brooklyn. The removal took place during the NYPD’s execution of a search warrant after authorities received a report of animals living in poor conditions.

The animals removed from the property — many of whom were housed in crates throughout the residence — included 21 dogs as well as four cats and one pigeon. Sadly, one deceased puppy was also found in the apartment.

“This cross-agency collaboration demonstrates the power of meaningful partnerships across law enforcement and animal welfare agencies in New York City, with the ASPCA helping to remove animals from harm and providing them with critical care while the NYPD and NYC district attorneys’ offices enforce cruelty laws and pursue justice for animal victims,” said Howard Lawrence, vice president of ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement. “The magnitude of this case highlights just how crucial it is for New Yorkers to report suspected animal cruelty in their communities. By speaking up, residents across the city’s five boroughs play a pivotal role in protecting vulnerable animals and ensuring those in distress receive the urgent care they deserve.”

In addition to these recent removals, this week, an ASPCA team will deploy to the Methuen, Massachusetts to assist MSPCA-Angell with the daily care of 170 farm animals, some of whom were rescued from a cruelty case earlier this year.