TONOPAH, AZ — A woman is in custody in connection with an animal abuse investigation that started two weeks ago near Tonopah.
The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office announced Wednesday that Gina Steffes, who was not located when the original search warrants were executed, had been located and booked on animal cruelty charges.
On February 24, MCSO announced that additional dogs were found in "filthy" conditions in the far West Valley.
Almost a week ago, nine dogs were found in a property near Old US 80 and Salome Highway, west of Buckeye for reports of neglect.
Neighbors reportedly made numerous complaints about the alleged neglect of the animals. MCSO said they were found without adequate food, water, or shelter.
Video from the scene in February showed a large area of debris surrounding kennels and fenced areas.
MCSO's animal crime unit "located a motorhome and served a search warrant in connection with an ongoing animal neglect investigation," officials said.
Officials located three adult dogs and ten puppies inside the motorhome.
The suspect had reportedly been living on the property in an RV, and when she became aware that the investigation was underway, she abandoned the dogs and moved the RV, MCSO says.
All dogs were taken to a veterinarian for evaluation and care they "urgently needed."
