A Phoenix couple is facing animal abuse charges after Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office investigators found they let two of their dogs starve to death.
According to the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO), on Saturday June 21, 2025, Ebony Johnson and Telesfor Lovato brought their two Goldendoodle dogs (Nala, and Star) to the BluePearl Animal Hospital to receive veterinary care. Both dogs were extremely emaciated and unable to walk on their own. Nala weighed just under 17 pounds and Star weighed just over 21 pounds.
According to the veterinarian at BluePearl, the average normal weight for a goldendoodle is about 66 pounds. Nala died at the BluePearl Animal Hospital due to her deplorable condition. Ebony and Telesfor told the veterinarian that they had previously been homeless and would only feed the dogs when they could afford it. They also told the vet they had a third Goldendoodle dog that died at their apartment earlier in the day. The veterinarian provided the couple with dog food for the surviving dog and contacted MCSO the condition of the dogs.
On Monday June 23, MCSO Animal Crimes Detectives assumed the investigation and responded to the couple’s address. Ebony and Telesfor surrendered Star, which was the only remaining animal in their care over to detectives. Star was evaluated by the MCSO contracted veterinarian. After the evaluation, the veterinarian stated Star was severely emaciated with sever muscle wasting and no noticeable fat.
Star is in the care of the MCSO MASH unit and will remain there until she is well enough to be placed for adoption.
The veterinarian also performed a necropsy on Nala and concluded she died from starvation.
On Wednesday, MCSO Animal Crimes Detectives arrested and booked Ebony Johnson and Telesfor Lovato on four counts of cruelty to animals, two of which are felonies (2- A.R.S. 13-2910A1 and 2- A.R.S. 13-2910A8).
“Our pets depend on us for love, care and protection,” said Sheriff Jerry Sheridan “I want to make it clear that we will not tolerate any form of animal abuse or neglect in our community. Every animal deserves to be treated with kindness and respect, and those who choose to harm them will be held accountable.”
Looks to me like they had enough food to share with the dogs. Give them no quarter.
Two more humans who have proven they do not deserve to exist in this world, when will the purge begin?
Sad.
My only comment, put them in the middle of the desert in a cage and leave them no food or water. Let them feel what is was like for the dogs they killed….what worthless ______ these two are.