June 27, 2025 MILL BASIN, BROOKLYN – A truly disturbing scene unfolded in the quiet Brooklyn neighborhood of Mill Basin on Thursday, as authorities discovered more than 80 neglected dogs living in squalor within a home where one of the two elderly residents was found dead. The shocking rescue has brought a grim sense of relief to neighbors who have for years decried the property as a "house of horrors."

A Tragic Discovery

Police responded to a 911 call at 2780 E. 66th Street, where they found a 73-year-old woman unconscious and unresponsive on the ground floor. She was pronounced dead at the scene. But the tragedy of her passing quickly gave way to the overwhelming reality of the conditions inside the residence.

Working alongside Animal Care Centers of NYC (ACC) and the ASPCA, emergency responders began the painstaking process of removing over 80 small dogs, many of whom showed clear signs of severe neglect.

Years of Neglect and Helplessness

For years, neighbors have been plagued by the putrid odor emanating from the property and the constant sound of barking and fighting dogs. "What a smell! So toxic, that you can't even breathe," recounted neighbor Leeora Bernstein, her voice filled with anguish.

Residents like Adam Greenberg and Alex Zinger described repeated attempts to alert authorities. "We tried to call the police. We tried," Greenberg stated. They recall instances, as recently as three weeks ago, where police investigated, even using a ladder to peer into windows. "They took photos, they said I see dead dogs by the staircase. I see maybe 40 dogs, 50 dogs, I see puppies everywhere," Greenberg shared, painting a chilling picture.

Yet, despite these alarming observations, law enforcement faced a legal roadblock. "The cops used to come, they used to knock on the door, and they were not let in," Zinger explained. "They said they had no probable cause. And they were not able to kick the door in or anything like that." It wasn't until the tragic 911 call on Thursday that authorities finally gained entry.

Deplorable Living Conditions

Beyond the sheer number of animals, neighbors also raised concerns about the lack of basic utilities. The home reportedly had no electricity, meaning no air conditioning during a recent heat wave. This has led many to speculate whether the sweltering heat, combined with the unsanitary conditions, contributed to the woman's death.

"I thought originally that the house was abandoned, because it's in bad shape," said Susan Scognamiglio, who was surprised to hear the tell-tale barking. Neighbors observed the two women living in the house relying on flashlights at night, a detail that further added to the unsettling aura of the property.

Hope for the Future

As the community grapples with the aftermath, there's a collective hope that the rescued dogs will find the care and loving homes they so desperately need. "It's hard to take care of one dog," remarked Nicole Scognamiglio. "How do you have 80? As much as you love them." Neighbors also expressed concern for the surviving sister, hoping she receives the support she needs.

The cause of the deceased woman's death remains undetermined, but the grim discovery has shed light on a hidden tragedy, bringing a long-awaited resolution to a situation that haunted a Brooklyn block for far too long.