At the urgent request of the New York City Police Department (NYPD), we were on the ground in Rockaway, Queens assisting with the removal of 11 dogs and two cats found living in filthy conditions during the execution of a search warrant on Monday, March 4. The dogs and cats were found in extremely poor conditions where their basic needs were not being met.

"Once authorities observed the conditions these dogs and cats were living in, it was clear they were not receiving adequate care, and we were able to work together to quickly bring these animals to safety," said Matt Bershadker, ASPCA president and CEO. "This case illustrates the lifesaving impact of the ASPCA's decade long partnership with the NYPD. When officers discover vulnerable animals in the course of their routine police work, they are equipped to take immediate action to get the animals the help they need."

The dogs are receiving care at the ASPCA Canine Annex for Recovery & Enrichment (CARE) and Animal Recovery Center (ARC) in Manhattan, where ASPCA veterinary and behavior experts conducted forensic exams on the animals. When the dogs arrived, many of them had dirty, stained coats due to their living conditions. Many of the animals were underweight, dehydrated and suffering from various medical conditions including dental disease, skin and eye infections, and giardia, a highly contagious parasitic infection. Our staff at CARE and ARC continue to provide the animals much-needed medical care and behavioral treatment and enrichment.