A Queens man is now facing a litany of animal cruelty charges following the distressing discovery of nearly 50 dogs living in severe neglect within a Rego Park apartment. As reported by NY Daily News, the NYPD Animal Cruelty Squad charged 37-year-old Isaak Yadgarov with 48 counts of cruelty to animals and the same number of counts for neglecting an impounded animal—one for each of the dogs found in the cramped space.
Last Thursday, the NYPD stumbled upon the grim scene where dogs were packed in so tightly that some were forced to literally live in closets and kitchen cupboards. This gross mistreatment led to multiple animals requiring urgent medical attention and sadly, according to Gothamist, three dogs had to be euthanized immediately upon their recovery for health reasons. Neighbors had complained for years about noise and odors emanating from the apartment, though Yadgarov reportedly does not currently reside there.
The rescue operation was initiated after eviction procedures against Yadgarov started, finally bringing attention to the dire conditions. The animals, a mix of Belgian Malinois and German Shepherds, were found by members of the NYPD and partner organizations like the Animal Care Centers of NYC and the ASPCA, who conducted the exhaustive and delicate retrieval process.
With the rescue completed, the focus has shifted to rehabilitation and rehoming of the traumatized animals. As "undersocialized and fearful," according to a quote by ACC’s Dr. Biana Tamimi obtained by Gothamist, the organization is hard at work to gradually introduce the dogs to the normalcies of domestic life—a process likely to be as patient as it is painstaking. Yadgarov is due in Queens Criminal Court on June 2 to face these allegations, following his arrest and subsequent issuance of a desk appearance ticket.
In light of the situation and the organization's overcapacity, ACC has waived adoption fees for all large dogs through the end of May. The hope is that this incentive will encourage the public to open their homes to not just the rescued Belgian Malinois and German Shepherds, but to many other dogs in urgent need of a loving environment. Details on the adoption process can be found through ACC and other breed-specific rescue organizations involved in the case.
