Maricopa County Sheriff’s detectives arrested 33-year-old Daniel Gonzalez and his girlfriend, 33-year-old Andrea Mendoza late yesterday after finding two adult dogs and seven 5 weeks old puppies had been abandoned by residents in Tonopah in November.
The property owner of 6705 S. 385th Avenue alerted Sheriff’s Deputies that his ex-tenants abandoned the nine dogs on his property. Detectives immediately responded and found the dogs, some severely emaciated and lethargic without food, water or shelter.
The dogs were transported to a veterinarian where they were provided much needed medical care for Valley fever, dehydration, and hypothermia. It was estimated that if the dogs were left in this situation, they would have died within 8 to 20 hours.
After a lengthy search by Sheriff’s detectives, both suspects were located, Gonzalez in Gila Bend, and Mendoza in Arlington. Both suspects were arrested and booked on 27 counts of Animal Cruel Neglect/Abandonment, and 2 counts Animal Cruel Neglect/Physical Injury.