Queen Creek man arrested after officials find one dog dead, the other dehydrated with no water

QUEEN CREEK, AZ - A Queen Creek man was arrested Thursday for neglecting his dogs and leaving them in the heat, killing one and leaving the other severely dehydrated.

According to a news release, the Maricopa County Sheriff's Animal Crimes Unit was called out to the property after an anonymous caller reported seeing a dead animal.

Sheriff's detectives found the dogs with no food or water in an enclosure.

Temperatures reached upwards of 110 degrees in Queen Creek Thursday, and one of the dogs had died from the heat and neglect.

The other dog was reportedly very lethargic and dehydrated and was taken to Palm Glen Animal Hospital for treatment.

Sheriff's detectives arrested the owner, 59-year-old Ronnie Hayes, after investigating the situation.

Hayes told officials that he saw the animals the night before and said they "seemed fine to him" and provided them with food every other day and water every day.

Despite his claims, detectives found no evidence of water near or in the enclosure.

Arizona law requires that anyone who owns or has custody of an animal must provide necessary food, water and shelter.

Hayes was booked into jail on two counts of animal cruelty but was later released and is awaiting a future court date.