Why repeated complaints of suspected animal cruelty often go unanswered
More than 100 dogs were rescued from a Mill Basin home last June, but neighbors say they had been complaining about the property for close to a decade.
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More than 100 dogs were rescued from a Mill Basin home last June, but neighbors say they had been complaining about the property for close to a decade.
Alex Zinger, who lives next door, said he and his neighbors repeatedly reported the stench and constant barking.
“The police, sanitation, whoever I called, they knocked on the door, but they weren’t let in, so they left,” Zinger said.
Authorities were finally able to enter the home after one of the two sisters living there died.
Inside, they discovered a hoarding situation, with dozens of dogs living in deplorable conditions.
All of the animals were taken to shelters for treatment, and most have since been adopted.
The ASPCA says police and investigators usually respond to complaints, but without a warrant or cooperation from the property owner, their hands are often tied.
"If they can't see what's inside and articulate how bad it is, they're never going to be able to have enough information to get the warrant,” said Elizabeth Brandner, a senior council with the ASPCA’s Advocacy and Legal Investigations Division.
The organization sometimes sends its community engagement team, which can be more effective at gaining access than police officers. But if the owner refuses, even the ASPCA cannot legally enter.
Neighbors say the tragedy could have been avoided. “It's unfortunate that it took the tragedy of a person dying in the house, where the authorities were called in and knocked down the door, for the animals to be rescued ” Zinger said.
