Maricopa County Sheriff’s deputies responded to two separate calls on February 25 and 27, that resulted in animal cruelty investigations in Surprise. In one case, deputies removed over 20 animals from a one residence.
On the 25, Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) deputies were dispatched to 17918 W. Waddell Road in Surprise to check up on a dog the Surprise Fire Department thought was malnourished. Upon their arrival, deputies noticed a dog laying in the walkway that had an injured back leg and appeared to be malnourished. The owner, 79 year old Lonnie Townsend, said he didn’t have the money to get his dog veterinary care and that he was just waiting for the dog to die.
Animal Crimes detectives responded and seized the dog. The dog was taken to Palm Glenn Animal Hospital to receive emergency veterinary care. The condition of the dog is still critical and animal cruelty charges are pending based on the results of the medical report.
Two days later on the 27th, Sheriff’s deputies were called out to a home located at 15139 W. Dynamite Boulevard in Surprise by the property owner. The owner stated the former tenant, Juli Soave, abandoned her animals after being evicted from the residence. Animal Crimes Detectives responded to the home and from the outside of the residence could smell an overwhelming odor of feces.
Detectives entered the home and encountered large piles of feces and animal urine all throughout the home. Detectives wore protective gear and masks just to tolerate the smell. 23 cats and 2 dogs were removed from the home and transported to Palm Glenn Animal Hospital for veterinary care.
Soave was not at the home when detectives arrived, but will face charges of abandonment, inadequate shelter and lack of medical charges when she is located.