When rescuers from the Animal Care Centers of New York (ACC) stepped into a small Queens apartment this May, they were prepared for a tough case. But nothing could have prepared them for what they saw inside: 40 Belgian Malinois dogs crammed into one filthy living space. The scene was heartbreaking — dogs of all ages packed into hallways, hiding in closets, and even tucked away inside cupboards.
For a breed known for its energy and intelligence, this confinement was unbearable. Belgian Malinois thrive on long walks, agility training, and human interaction. Instead, these dogs had spent their lives in silence, neglect, and darkness.
A Life Without Fresh Air
Rescuers quickly realized that most of the dogs had never been outside. They had never touched grass, never gone on a leash, and never met a stranger. Many were malnourished, undersocialized, and so unfamiliar with open space that even walking seemed like a new challenge.
“They’ve likely never touched grass, walked on a leash, or met a stranger,” said Dr. Biana Tamimi, the ACC’s director of shelter medicine. “Every new sound, every human interaction is overwhelming.”
For dogs built to run, jump, and protect, their lives until now had been the opposite — quiet suffering behind closed doors.
A Troubled History of Neglect
This wasn’t the first time the Queens apartment had raised red flags. Two years earlier, the same owner had contacted Lend-a-Paw, a small local rescue, asking for help with several dogs. They took in six, all of whom were severely malnourished and withdrawn.
In late 2024, the same person reached out again, this time claiming he had 25 dogs. That alarming number pushed Lend-a-Paw to contact larger organizations like ACC, ASPCA, and the city’s animal cruelty unit. It was clear that the situation had spiraled beyond the abilities of one small rescue — and that urgent intervention was needed.
The Day of the Rescue
On the day of the rescue, ACC and ASPCA workers carefully entered the apartment, determined to remove every single dog. One by one, they carried frightened, skinny Malinois out of their hiding places. Some were so terrified they had to be coaxed or lifted gently into carriers.
“It was one of the most disturbing cases we’ve seen,” said Tara Mercado of the ACC. “We found full-grown Malinois hidden in cabinets and crammed behind furniture.”
For the first time in their lives, these dogs saw sunlight and felt the fresh air on their faces.
Sammie’s Story: From Frozen With Fear to Hope
Among the 40 dogs was Sammie, a 2-year-old Malinois–German shepherd mix. When rescuers tried to move him, he was so shut down with fear that he couldn’t walk. Zion’s Mission Animal Rescue stepped in to take Sammie, but even there, he remained frozen — too scared to move, too overwhelmed to understand he was safe.
Then something remarkable happened. When Sammie was reunited with three of the puppies rescued alongside him, his entire demeanor shifted. He stood up, moved toward them, and even explored the room.
“He let out the biggest sigh I’ve ever heard,” said Zion’s Mission cofounder Sloane Quealy. “It was like he finally realized, ‘I’m safe now.’”
Small Signs of Healing
While Sammie’s recovery was powerful, he wasn’t the only one showing glimmers of hope. One adult dog, now named Gracie, arrived terrified and withdrawn. But when she was placed near the puppies, her nurturing side emerged. She became calm, attentive, and protective, proving that even in fear, the instinct to love remained strong.
Rescuers described these little breakthroughs as emotional victories. For dogs who had lived in isolation, even simple steps — sniffing the grass, wagging their tails, or approaching a volunteer — were monumental.
The Role of Rescue Groups
The scale of this case required a massive effort. Multiple rescues stepped forward, including Almost Home Rescue & Adoptions, Char-Wills German Shepherd Rescue, Korean K9 Rescue, Malinois & Dutch Shepherd Rescue, Posh Pets, and more. Each group took in some of the dogs, ensuring they would receive individualized care and a chance to start fresh.
These organizations are now providing medical treatment, basic training, and socialization. Many of the dogs will require patient adopters, ideally families with other dogs, to help them adjust to normal life.
A Second Chance at Life
Though shelters in New York are at capacity, this rescue brought out the resilience of the animal welfare community. The ACC has even waived adoption fees for dogs over 40 pounds in hopes of easing the overcrowding and finding homes for dogs like Sammie and Gracie.
The road ahead for these Malinois is not easy. They must learn how to walk on leashes, navigate new environments, and trust humans again. But they are no longer hidden in a dark apartment — they are safe, loved, and slowly stepping into the lives they deserve.
As Dr. Tamimi put it: “We’re already seeing glimmers of curiosity, and that gives us hope.”
