A cramped Greenpoint apartment that police and animal-welfare workers say was coated in grime has turned into the unlikely starting point for dozens of small dogs now looking for new homes.
The animals, mostly Pomeranian-type dogs and many of them puppies, were removed earlier this year during an animal-cruelty investigation. After weeks of medical and behavioral care, shelter staff and prosecutors say the push is on to get them into permanent homes, even as the legal case continues.
Several of the dogs have already cleared their initial exams and are being prepared for adoption, according to CBS News New York. The outlet’s video shows tiny puppies being vaccinated and checked over, while shelter workers ready eligible dogs for foster or adoptive placement. Officials note that some of the animals will stay in treatment until veterinarians say they are fully ready.
What officers found
According to the ASPCA, NYPD officers discovered more than 20 Pomeranian-type dogs, including over 15 puppies, living "among their own feces and urine" in an unsanitary, foul-smelling Greenpoint apartment with limited access to food and water. The group says the animals received immediate veterinary forensic exams and emergency treatment before being moved into longer-term care.
Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez called for action and publicly thanked the ASPCA for its role, stating, "No animal should ever have to suffer because of neglect or indifference," according to the ASPCA. His office’s Animal Crimes Unit is working with the NYPD as prosecutors review the evidence and decide on potential charges.
Where the dogs are now
Several of the Pomeranians have been transported to the ASPCA’s new Recovery & Rehabilitation Center in Pawling, where staff are providing round-the-clock medical and behavioral care while the legal case is reviewed, the Brooklyn Eagle reported. Dogs that finish treatment will move into adoption screening, and those still in recovery will stay put until veterinarians and behavior specialists clear them.
How to adopt
Shelter officials say would-be adopters should keep an eye on local shelter listings and reputable adoption websites for postings related to this group of dogs. Because many of the animals needed extra medical help and behavioral support, approvals will include assessments and follow-up care requirements. Prospective adopters are being urged to be ready for possible ongoing medical needs or special handling.
A pattern across the city
Large rescues involving multiple dogs have put heavy pressure on New York City shelters in recent years. In May 2025, for example, the ASPCA and Animal Care Centers removed more than 40 Belgian Malinois-mixes from a Queens apartment, a rescue that demanded extensive coordination among shelters and underscored how crucial foster networks are, according to CBS News New York.
For now, officials say the priority is getting these Greenpoint dogs into safe, stable homes while protecting their long-term health and welfare. Anyone who suspects animal cruelty in the city is urged to contact local authorities so investigators can step in before conditions spiral.
