ASPCA Rescues 33 Poodles from Queens Hoarders

On October 23, the ASPCA took custody of 33 miniature poodles who belonged to an elderly couple in Queens, New York. Acknowledging that they are no longer able to adequately care for the dogs, themselves and their home, the couple willingly relinquished all but one of their dogs to the ASPCA so they could receive the individual attention and veterinary care they deserve. The dog they chose to keep will be spayed.

The ASPCA was alerted to the hoarding situation by a case worker from a social services agency who was concerned about the number and condition of animals in the home. She did not know who to call or how to help the animals until she read about animal hoarding on the ASPCA’s website, at which point she contacted the ASPCA and asked for a site assessment to be conducted.

“We were fortunate to be able to accommodate such an influx,” says Gail Buchwald, Senior Vice President, ASPCA Adoption Center & Mobile Spay/Neuter Clinics. “The longer an agency waits to act, the more animals there will be and the worse their condition. Getting them to a shelter as soon as possible gives them the best chance for placement in new homes. In this case, the ASPCA was able to stop the population from exploding further.”

The 33 surrendered poodles, who range in age from two months to six years, had never been walked outside and are not well-socialized to strangers and new environments. While they are all timid and fearful, the majority of the dogs are in relatively good health. After being evaluated, spayed/neutered, microchipped and groomed, most of the puppies and healthy adults were placed in loving new homes this week. You wonderful people flooded in to adopt the poodles! Those still available for adoption are “special needs” dogs who must be placed in quiet homes with parents who are willing to work with their ongoing medical and behavioral requirements.
For more information about adopting a poodle, please call the ASPCA at (212) 876-7700, ext. 3210.

If you think someone you know is struggling with animal hoarding, please read our FAQ.