40 Belgian Malinois Rescued
When rescuers entered a small New York City apartment in May, they never expected to uncover one of the most heartbreaking animal cruelty cases they’d ever faced. What they found was shocking — 40 Belgian Malinois dogs trapped in filthy, cramped conditions, hidden in cupboards, closets, and even behind furniture.
This Belgian Malinois rescue in NYC would soon become a story of resilience, compassion, and hope.
Life in Total Confinement: A Disturbing Reality
The dogs, a mix of adults and puppies, were malnourished, terrified, and had likely never seen the outside world. Belgian Malinois are a highly active breed, needing hours of exercise and mental stimulation. Yet these dogs had lived their entire lives in confinement.
“We found full-grown Malinois hidden in cabinets and crammed behind furniture,” said Tara Mercado of the Animal Care Centers of New York (ACC).
Thanks to the combined efforts of the ACC and ASPCA, all 40 dogs were removed from the apartment and brought in for urgent medical care.
A Long-Standing Problem Finally Addressed
Shockingly, this wasn’t the first time this apartment had been flagged. Two years prior, a local rescue, Lend-a-Paw, had intervened when six dogs were surrendered. Those dogs were found emaciated, malnourished, and severely undersocialized.
In late 2024, the same individual reached out again—this time claiming to have 25 dogs. Recognizing the severity of the situation, Lend-a-Paw called in reinforcements, including the ACC, ASPCA, and local animal cruelty units. This led to the life-saving intervention for the 40 Belgian Malinois in May.
Sammie’s Story: A Glimmer of Hope
One of the most moving moments in this 40 Belgian Malinois rescue in NYC was the story of Sammie, a two-year-old Belgian Malinois-German Shepherd mix. So traumatized, Sammie couldn’t even walk and had to be transported on a cart by Zion’s Mission Animal Rescue.
“He was timid, shy, and completely shut down. Our hearts immediately went out to him,” said Sloane Quealy, co-founder of Zion’s Mission.
But something incredible happened. When Sammie was reunited with three of his fellow rescued pups, he stood up and started moving for the first time. A simple reunion with his friends gave Sammie the courage to take his first steps toward healing.
“He let out the biggest sigh I’ve ever heard. It was as if he finally realized he was safe,” Quealy shared, holding back tears.
A Community United for the Dogs
Zion’s Mission wasn’t alone in their efforts. Several dedicated rescues, including Almost Home Rescue & Adoptions, Posh Pets, Every Last One, Korean K9 Rescue, and Malinois & Dutch Shepherd Rescue, stepped up to give these dogs a chance at a new life.
One dog, lovingly renamed Gracie, showed heartwarming progress. Once terrified and shut down, she now lights up when she’s around puppies, her nurturing instincts bringing out her true spirit.
The Road Ahead: Healing, Training, and Adoption
While the rescue is complete, the journey for these Belgian Malinois is far from over. Many of the dogs are undergoing professional training and socialization to help them adjust to a life they’ve never known—one filled with grass, open spaces, and kind humans.
“We’re already seeing glimmers of curiosity, and that gives us hope,” said Dr. Biana Tamimi, ACC’s Director of Shelter Medicine.
The New York City shelter community is at capacity, and fosters, adopters, and donations are urgently needed. The ACC has waived adoption fees for dogs over 40 pounds to encourage more adoptions.
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How You Can Help:
- Adopt or foster: These dogs need patient and loving homes, preferably with another canine companion.
- Donate to local rescues: Supplies, medical care, and training resources are in constant demand.
- Follow rescue groups on social media: Stay updated on when these Belgian Malinois will be ready for adoption.
FAQ: Belgian Malinois Rescue in NYC
Q1: How many Belgian Malinois dogs were rescued from the NYC apartment?
A total of 40 Belgian Malinois dogs were rescued from a small, filthy apartment in Queens, NYC, in May 2025.
Q2: Why were the dogs kept in such poor conditions?
The dogs lived in total confinement, hidden in cupboards and furniture. They had never been properly cared for, exercised, or socialized.
Q3: Which organizations helped in the Belgian Malinois rescue in NYC?
The rescue was a joint effort by the Animal Care Centers of New York (ACC), ASPCA, and multiple local rescue groups including Zion’s Mission, Lend-a-Paw, Posh Pets, and others.
Q4: How is Sammie, the shut-down Belgian Malinois mix, doing now?
Sammie was reunited with fellow rescued pups and began walking again. He is now in rehabilitation and will soon be ready for adoption.
Q5: Can I adopt or foster one of the rescued Belgian Malinois dogs?
Yes! The rescues are working hard to prepare the dogs for adoption. Potential adopters should follow the rescues’ social media for updates and be ready to provide a patient, loving home—preferably with another dog.
Q6: How can I support the rescues involved in this case?
You can help by donating, fostering, adopting, or sharing their posts to spread awareness. The ACC has also waived adoption fees for dogs over 40 pounds.
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