When rescuers stepped into a New York City apartment this May, they expected a tough scene. But nothing could have prepared them for what they found: 40 Belgian Malinois dogs crammed into a small, filthy apartment in Queens — “one of the most disturbing” animal neglect cases they’d ever encountered.
The dogs were everywhere — in the hallways, behind furniture, inside closets, even stuffed into cabinets. Malnourished, terrified, and likely never having set foot outside, the dogs had been living in complete confinement.
“These dogs have reportedly lived in total confinement for their entire lives,” said Tara Mercado of Animal Care Centers of NYC (ACC). “We found full-grown Malinois hidden in cabinets and crammed behind furniture.”
Belgian Malinois are high-energy, working dogs that require intense daily exercise, space to move, and human interaction. These dogs had none of that.
In partnership with the ASPCA, the ACC moved swiftly to remove all 40 dogs from the apartment and begin medical evaluations.
But this wasn’t the first red flag.
Two years ago, the apartment’s resident had contacted the local group Lend-a-Paw to surrender six dogs. At the time, the pups were severely underweight and socially withdrawn.
When that same person reached out again in late 2024 — this time claiming to have 25 dogs — the rescue knew the situation had escalated dangerously and contacted authorities.
“This person needed to be arrested,” Lend-a-Paw said in a statement. “We couldn’t handle that many dogs on our own, and the conditions were beyond what we could help with.”
By the time help arrived this May, the number had ballooned to 40 dogs. Many were a mix of Belgian Malinois and German shepherd, all in various states of fear, confusion, and physical decline.
“They’ve likely never touched grass, walked on a leash, or met a stranger,” said Dr. Biana Tamimi, ACC’s director of shelter medicine. “Every sound, every interaction is brand new and overwhelming.”
Even walking proved difficult for some of the dogs — they simply weren’t used to having space to move.
One of the most heart-wrenching cases was Sammie, a 2-year-old Belgian Malinois-German shepherd mix rescued by Zion’s Mission Animal Rescue. He was too shut down to walk and had to be transported on a cart.
“He was timid, shut down, and heartbroken,” the rescue shared.
Sammie remained frozen with fear — until a powerful reunion changed everything.
After arriving at the rescue, Sammie was reunited with three of the puppies from the same apartment.
“When he saw the pups, he immediately stood up and started moving,” said Sloane Quealy, cofounder of Zion’s Mission. “It was like a switch flipped.”
After pacing the room and greeting the puppies, Sammie settled next to his rescuers and let out a long, deep sigh — the kind that says, I’m finally safe. Quealy admitted, “I almost burst into tears.”
Zion’s Mission took in ten dogs total — five adults and five puppies. Sammie, like many others, is now learning to trust, play, and live a normal life.
Several other rescue groups stepped in to help as well, including:
- Almost Home Rescue & Adoptions
- ASPCA
- Char-Wills German Shepherd Rescue
- Every Last One
- Greenfield Pets Animal Rescue
- Korean K9 Rescue
- Malinois & Dutch Shepherd Rescue
- Posh Pets
- Stacy Hope Rescue
At Posh Pets, one of the rescued adults — now named Gracie — is beginning to heal. “She arrived terrified and shut down,” the rescue said. “But when she’s around puppies, she lights up. Her gentle side is shining through.”
The rescue came at a time when NYC shelters are overwhelmed. To ease the burden, ACC is waiving adoption fees for dogs over 40 pounds and encouraging fostering and donations.
If you’re interested in adopting one of these rescued Belgian Malinois or learning when they’ll be ready, follow the participating rescue organizations on social media or reach out directly.
At Zion’s Mission, Sammie and his friends are undergoing training and socialization. They’ll only be placed in homes with another dog — something the team believes is essential to their ongoing emotional recovery.
“They thrive when they’re with another animal,” Quealy explained.
Though the road ahead will take time, these dogs are finally on the path to the lives they deserve — full of safety, freedom, and love.
As Dr. Tamimi from ACC said, “We’re already seeing glimmers of curiosity — and that gives us hope.”
