The discovery of a lifeless elderly woman inside a feces-filled Brooklyn home has uncovered one of the most shocking animal hoarding cases in recent New York memory.

On June 27 police found 73-year-old Eileen Horn dead inside her Mill Basin residence, where 115 severely neglected dogs -- five of them now dead -- had been living in horrid conditions without light, fresh air, or proper care, as the New York Post reports.

Authorities responded Friday to a call at a residence near 66th Street and National Drive in Mill Basin. What first appeared to be a wellness check quickly escalated into a grisly scene. Eileen Horn was found deceased inside, surrounded by dozens of dogs in advanced states of neglect. Neighbors described the property as a “house of horrors.”

The neglected terrier mixes -- many suffering from extreme matting, stress, and signs of inbreeding -- were scattered throughout the darkened home, which lacked electricity and reeked from the accumulation of feces and waste. Animal rescue teams reported that five of the animals were already dead at the time of discovery.

Horn’s sister was also found inside the home and was treated by medical personnel at the scene. Her condition is not publicly known, but she survived the ordeal.

Rescue workers battle extreme filth

Several animal welfare organizations worked late into the night to remove and clean the distressed animals. Volunteers from Compassionate Animal Rescue Efforts (CARE) of Dutchess County and NYC Second Chance Rescue participated in the massive effort, often staying until midnight on Friday.

Jennifer Brooks, president of NYC Second Chance Rescue, recalled one dog in particular -- Mercedes -- whose fur was so compacted with feces it took 45 minutes to clean her. The five-year-old terrier mix, weighing only 13 pounds, had likely never been outside. Another dog, Barbie, a four-year-old Shih Tzu and Japanese Chin mix, went from yellow to cream in color after multiple baths.

Despite their trauma, Brooks noted that none of the dogs had shown aggression. “Even though some of them are very scared,” she said, “they’ve been very cooperative.” Animal Care Centers of NYC's Katy Hansen added that the matted fur caused “real pain,” pulling on the animals’ skin and leading to discomfort and fear.

Dogs born into darkness, isolation

Rescue workers learned that many of the dogs had been born in the house and had never experienced daylight. The psychological toll of such confinement is significant. Karen Lecain of CARE noted this factor would require an extended period of rehabilitation and patience before the animals could trust humans again.

One harrowing moment came during the grooming process when a dog gave birth to a stillborn puppy. Lecain attributed the tragic outcome to the prolonged stress these animals had endured. “I think it was the stress,” she said when describing the trauma caused by the environment.

As cleanup efforts continued through Saturday, June 28, rescuers discovered even more dogs inside the residence. The filth, lack of power, and seclusion reveal just how long the situation had been deteriorating behind closed doors.

Public asked to help

Currently, the surviving dogs are being treated across various shelters, including NYC Second Chance Rescue's facility in Long Island City. Some animals required anesthesia for shaving due to matting so severe that it restricted movement and likely caused chronic pain.

While the dogs remain skittish, Brooks and others are optimistic about their recovery. Most are already showing signs of affection and cooperation. Jennifer Brooks said the dogs will need “love, care, and TLC,” but that their personalities will shine through with time.

Anyone interested in fostering these animals can apply to NYC Second Chance Rescue’s website at nycscr.org. Each application will help in transitioning the affected dogs toward stable homes and emotional healing.

Lessons to learn

1. Know the signs of hoarding and act early: Neighbors had been aware of some concerns, but conditions worsened over time. If you smell strong odors or see neglected animals, it's important to alert authorities or animal welfare groups early to potentially save lives.

2. Animal welfare is a community responsibility: A case like this doesn’t happen overnight. By being compassionate and attentive to the welfare of others—both human and animal—communities can work together to prevent tragedy.

3. Never underestimate the psychological impact of isolation: Many dogs from this home had never seen daylight. Environments like this can inflict irreversible emotional damage. Although we must never blame the victim, awareness and mental health interventions can sometimes prevent severe isolation from spiraling.

Why this story matters

The tragedy illustrates both the vulnerability of the elderly and the importance of community vigilance. It sheds light on the pressing issue of animal hoarding, a form of neglect that often goes unnoticed until it reaches shocking proportions.

By sharing this story, we honor the life lost and amplify the voices of the voiceless -- those 115 dogs -- while calling on the public to stay informed, involved, and compassionate.

This case underscores that behind closed doors, crises can silently unfold. It's a lesson in empathy, awareness, and proactive care.