40 Belgian Malinois Dogs Rescued From Queens Apartment

Animal rescue workers discovered 40 Belgian Malinois dogs crammed into a Queens apartment Thursday, with some animals found hidden in cabinets and stuffed behind furniture in what officials described as “total confinement.”

The dogs, ranging from puppies to adults, had reportedly never been outside or experienced normal dog activities, according to rescue officials who responded to the Forest Hills residence.

Confined Lives Discovered After Owner’s Eviction

The rescue operation began when Animal Care Centers of NYC (ACC) and ASPCA teams visited the 62nd Street apartment after being notified that the owner had been evicted and needed to surrender the dogs, according to DNYUZ.

Upon arrival, rescuers were shocked to find dozens of high-energy working dogs living in severely cramped conditions. “These dogs have reportedly lived in total confinement for their entire lives,” said Tara Mercado, ACC’s Director of Behavior and Shelter Operations.

Biana Tamimi, ACC’s Director of Shelter Medicine, added that the dogs had “likely never touched grass, walked on a leash, or met a stranger” during their lives in the apartment.

Rehabilitation Begins for Specialized Breed

Belgian Malinois dogs are a working breed known for their intelligence, high energy, and need for physical and mental stimulation. Full-grown males typically stand 24-26 inches tall and weigh 60-80 pounds, making their confinement particularly concerning for animal welfare experts.

“To deny a Mal activity and the pleasure of your company is to deprive him of his very reasons for being,” states the American Kennel Club about the breed, as reported by Yahoo News.

Many Malinois serve as police K-9 dogs due to their intelligence and trainability, making them uniquely unsuited for the sedentary confinement they experienced in the apartment.

Shelter System Strained by Large Rescue

The influx of 40 specialized dogs has pushed the ACC’s Queens facility to “near triple capacity,” according to Jessica Vacarro, ACC’s Director of Placement. The organization is seeking foster homes and adoptions for these dogs and others already in their care.

ACC spokesperson Katy Hansen told the media that the dogs are currently “decompressing” and experiencing walks and individual care for the first time. “They’ve actually slept a lot because you can imagine how noisy it was in that apartment with 40 other dogs,” Hansen explained to CBS New York.

While the dogs were not starved or malnourished, they lacked proper socialization and environmental enrichment essential for their breed.

Investigation Underway as Adoption Plans Form

The NYPD Animal Cruelty Squad has launched an investigation into the case. The owner was not present when officials arrived at the apartment, and authorities have not released further details about potential charges.

ACC officials said they plan to coordinate with breed-specific rescue organizations that specialize in Belgian Malinois dogs to find appropriate homes. The dogs will be spayed or neutered before being placed with rescue partners.

“They’re unique dogs,” Hansen noted, emphasizing the specific needs of the breed. “They need a lot of attention. They’re super smart. Super motivated.”