Rescues

RIO VERDE, AZ – August 3, 2024 – Authorities in Maricopa County have rescued dozens of neglected animals from a property in Rio Verde, Arizona, amid scorching summer heat.The operation, conducted on August 3rd, involved the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) and the Rural Metro Fire Department.

The animals, discovered on a property located approximately 40 minutes east of Scottsdale and north of Fort McDowell, included a diverse and unusual collection: horses, camels, goats, rams, sheep, and tortoises. More exotic animals were also found, such as a cockatoo, a bull, and a zebra, according to the MCSO.

Sheriff’s Office images documented the animals’ condition, revealing horses with visible ribs and a ram suffering from severely matted fur, indicative of prolonged neglect. The rescue occurred as temperatures reached 110 degrees Fahrenheit,according to the National Weather Service.

The Rural Metro Fire Department responded swiftly, providing over 2,000 gallons of water to rehydrate the dehydrated animals. The rescued animals were then transported to the maricopa animal Safe Haven (MASH) unit, a specialized division of the MCSO dedicated to animal welfare, and local veterinary clinics for further care.

Maricopa County Sheriff Jerry Sheridan personally participated in the rescue, photographed with one of the rescued camels. “Sheriff Sheridan, who assisted in the rescue, remains committed to fighting for those who can’t speak for themselves,” stated the MCSO in a Facebook post. “Today is another powerful reminder: neglect will not be ignored. Every life matters.”

MCSO spokesperson William Jinks confirmed that an investigation is underway to determine the circumstances leading to the animals’ neglect and to identify any potential violations of animal cruelty laws. As of August 3rd, no arrests have been made. The property is owned by [Property Owner Name Redacted Pending Investigation], according to county records.

MASH, established in 2017, provides shelter, medical attention, and rehabilitation services for abused, neglected, and abandoned animals within Maricopa County. The unit handles an average of 300 cases annually, often involving large-scale neglect situations like this one.The cost of caring for the animals is funded through donations and county resources.

The MCSO has pledged to provide updates on the animals’ recovery and eventual placement in suitable homes. Individuals interested in supporting MASH can find details on donations and volunteer opportunities at [MASH Website Address – Placeholder].

Rey Covarrubias Jr. reports breaking news for The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com. Email him at: rcovarrubias@gannett.com, and connect with him on Instagram, Threads, Bluesky and X (formerly twitter) at @ReyCJrAZ.