Owner of 48 Malinois dogs in cramped Queens apartment faces animal cruelty charges.
Detectives from the NYPD’s Animal Cruelty Squad have filed multiple criminal charges against the owner of nearly 50 Belgian Malinois dogs discovered in dire conditions in a Queens apartment. Isaak Yadgarov, 37, has been charged with 48 counts of animal cruelty and 48 counts of neglecting an impounded animal, reflecting the number of dogs found in the Rego Park residence.
The disturbing situation unfolded around 11:30 a.m. on Thursday when law enforcement officials arrived at the seventh-floor apartment located on 62nd Road near Yellowstone Boulevard. Upon entering the premises, officers encountered an alarming scene. The dogs, reported to range from puppies to mature adults, were crammed into the living space, with many hiding in closets and behind kitchen cupboards. According to representatives from the Animal Care Centers of NYC (ACC), the animals had been subjected to conditions of total confinement, having never seen the outdoors.
In total, 48 dogs were rescued, though the health of several was critically compromised; eight of the dogs had to be euthanized immediately due to their condition. ACC officials noted that rescuers found over ten large, pure-breed Belgian Malinois piled together in the hallway near the front door, highlighting the severe overcrowding and neglect they had endured.
Yadgarov does not reside in the apartment where the dogs were found, with his listed address about four miles away in Fresh Meadows. Complaints about the living conditions in the apartment had reportedly been raised by neighbors and animal rescue organizations for nearly two years. The situation escalated sufficiently to prompt action when the property’s landlord initiated eviction procedures.
Following his arrest, Yadgarov received a desk appearance ticket, and he is scheduled to appear in Queens Criminal Court to address the charges on June 2.
The ASPCA has described the conditions in the apartment as extremely unsanitary and overcrowded, necessitating two days for the safe recovery and transportation of the dogs to ACC and ASPCA shelters. Currently, the ACC is collaborating with breed-specific rescue groups to facilitate the adoption of the Belgian Malinois, which are known for their intelligence and working abilities.
This case sheds light on the critical issue of animal welfare and the urgent need for improved regulations and enforcement surrounding pet ownership and breeding practices. The ongoing investigation highlights the responsibilities owners have towards the well-being of animals within their care.
