Some Baychester residents claim a dog that died on Wednesday in the yard of an abandoned house is still there despite calls to city agencies for help.

The residents on Bruner Avenue say the house has been abandoned for more than two years. They have complained in the past about overgrown weeds and garbage in the yard. Now, they claim the dog, which was left there by the people who last lived in the home, died Wednesday. Some worry not only about the odor of the body but also about the possibility of rats and maggots.

Neighbors say they have contacted several city agencies, but since it is private property, there is not much they can do. The sanitation department has taped violations on the house, but says the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene has to decide whether to remove the dog?s body. Health officials say they?ve sent a warning letter to the homeowner. If that letter is ignored, the health department says it will eventually step in.