PHOENIX — A Maricopa County couple has been arrested and charged with animal cruelty after two of their Goldendoodle dogs died from starvation, the Sheriff’s Office announced Friday.
Ebony Johnson and Telesfor Lovato face four counts of cruelty to animals — two of them felonies — after bringing two severely underweight dogs to BluePearl Animal Hospital on June 21. One of the dogs, Nala, died despite medical efforts. The second, Star, was surrendered to authorities two days later and is now recovering under care.
Detectives learned of a third Goldendoodle that died at the couple’s apartment earlier the same day. Johnson and Lovato allegedly told veterinarians they were recently homeless and could only feed the dogs “when they could afford it.”
Star, the lone survivor, is expected to recover and be placed for adoption through MCSO’s MASH unit.
“Our pets depend on us for love, care and protection,” said Sheriff Jerry Sheridan. “We will not tolerate any form of animal abuse or neglect in our community.”
