PHOENIX — Authorities rescued 70 dogs from what they described as deplorable conditions during a puppy mill investigation in the West Valley this week.
The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) Animal Crimes Unit served a search warrant Tuesday at a home near Jackrabbit Trail and Camelback Road in Litchfield Park. Inside, detectives found 71 dogs, including one that was deceased.
Investigation into alleged puppy mill
Sheriff’s officials said they are awaiting veterinary reports and blood work before pursuing arrests. Video released by MCSO showed dogs crammed into crates, unsanitary living spaces, and skeletal remains believed to be from one of the animals.
Where the rescued dogs are now
The surviving dogs were taken to the MCSO Animal Safe Haven (MASH), a program where volunteer jail inmates help care for animals seized in cruelty cases.
The investigation began after a tip was submitted to Sheriff Jerry Sheridan’s Facebook page.
