More than 20 Pomeranians, Including Puppies, Removed from Filthy Conditions in Brooklyn Apartment

NEW YORK-At the request of the New York City Police Department (NYPD) and the Brooklyn District Attorney's Office, the ASPCA^® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals^®) is caring for more than 20 Pomeranian-type dogs seized from an apartment in Brooklyn, New York, earlier this week. NYPD officers discovered the dogs, including more than 15 puppies and several adults, living in extremely poor conditions among their own feces and urine in an unsanitary and odor-filled apartment in Greenpoint. The dogs reportedly did not have immediate access to food or water.

After receiving overnight care at ASPCA veterinary partner clinics, the dogs were transported to an ASPCA facility in Manhattan on Sunday to receive veterinary forensic exams, medical and behavioral assessments, and treatment. The ASPCA is also assisting the NYPD and the Brooklyn District Attorney's Office with the ongoing criminal investigation.

Many of the dogs and puppies have since been transferred to the ASPCA Recovery & Rehabilitation Center in Pawling, New York, a brand-new facility dedicated to the ongoing care and treatment of dogs rescued through the ASPCA's partnership with the NYPD. The 33,000 square-foot facility, which opened in late 2025, significantly increases the ASPCA's capacity to care for suspected cruelty victims rescued in New York City. The Pomeranians will remain in the ASPCA's care until disposition is determined.

"Many of the animals who come into our care through our partnership with the NYPD face physical and psychological wounds that may be the result of alleged abuse and neglect, and when criminal charges are brought, they can require longer-term care until ownership is legally determined. The ASPCA Recovery and Rehabilitation Center was developed to provide the space, time, and specialized care needed for animals removed from situations like this case in Brooklyn," said Elizabeth Brandler, vice president of ASPCA Cruelty Response. "The ASPCA is grateful to our veterinary partners-including Blue Pearl Brooklyn and VERG Brooklyn who provided temporary care for these dogs-as well as the NYPD and New York City district attorney's offices for their ongoing commitment to tackling animal cruelty across the five boroughs."

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez said, "No animal should ever have to suffer because of neglect or indifference. Keeping dogs in filthy conditions without adequate food or water is against the law, and our Animal Crimes Unit takes these cases very seriously. I am grateful to the ASPCA for the compassionate care they are providing to these dogs and for their continued assistance as this investigation proceeds."

New York City residents are encouraged to report suspected animal cruelty by calling 311. To report crimes in progress, call 911. To learn more about how to identify and report suspected animal cruelty, visit aspca.org/fightcruelty.