MCSO: Morristown man arrested on animal cruelty charges

MORRISTOWN, AZ - Maricopa County Sheriff’s deputies have arrested a Morristown man accused of failing to provide food, water and shelter to his four dogs.

An MCSO spokesperson said 23-year-old Bennie Wiley was arrested on nine misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty.

Detectives from the Animal Crimes Unit reportedly began investigating Wiley at the beginning of August after a tip was received that he was neglecting his animals.

Detectives at the time found dogs in Wiley’s backyard that appeared “skinny,” and that had no water. MCSO told Wiley that he needed to feed the dogs and give them water. At the time, he did.

Detectives returned several times, and on October 19, it was observed that the dogs had no water or food. Some of the dogs were also chained and couldn’t reach any shelter.

The dogs were also very thin, with matted and patchy hair, according to MCSO.

Deputies seized the dogs and they were taken to a local animal hospital for treatment. After release, they will be taken to the MCSO MASH unit.

Sheriff Joe Arpaio says he does not tolerate animal cruelty, and that his office continues to investigate animal mistreatment complaints.

“We are going to do everything we can to rehabilitate these animals. With air conditioning and plenty of food and water in our MASH unit, these dogs should do very well," Arpaio said.