Animal Cruelty Charges Filed Against Phoenix Couple

The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) has taken swift action against a couple from Phoenix, Arizona, after investigators discovered the deplorable condition of their two dogs, Nala and Star. The couple, Ebony Johnson and Telesfor Lovato, has been charged with four counts of animal cruelty, including two felonies. The investigation began on Saturday, June 21, 2025, when the couple brought their dogs to the BluePearl Animal Hospital. The veterinarian at the hospital reported that the dogs were severely emaciated and unable to walk on their own. The dogs’ weights were far below the average normal weight for a Goldendoodle, with Nala weighing just under 17 pounds and Star weighing just over 21 pounds. The veterinarian provided the couple with dog food for the surviving dog and contacted the MCSO to report the condition of the dogs. The MCSO Animal Crimes Detectives assumed the investigation and responded to the couple’s address on Monday, June 23, 2025. Upon arrival, the detectives found that the couple had surrendered one of the dogs, Star, and was in the process of euthanizing the other, Nala. The veterinarian had already performed a necropsy on Nala and concluded that she had died from starvation. The veterinarian also evaluated Star and found that she was severely emaciated with severe muscle wasting and no noticeable fat. Star is currently in the care of the MCSO MASH unit and will remain there until she is well enough to be placed for adoption. The couple has been booked on four counts of cruelty to animals, including two felonies. The charges include:

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• Two counts of cruelty to animals (2- A.R.S. 13-2910A1 and 2- A.R.S. 13-2910A8)
• Two counts of animal neglect (2- A.R.S. 13-2910A1 and 2- A.R.S. 13-2910A8)

The MCSO has stated that animal cruelty is a serious offense that will not be tolerated in the community. Sheriff Jerry Sheridan has emphasized the importance of treating animals with kindness and respect. The couple’s case highlights the devastating consequences of animal neglect and abuse. The couple’s decision to euthanize Nala without attempting to seek veterinary care or provide her with food and water has been widely condemned. The fact that they had previously been homeless and only fed the dogs when they could afford it raises questions about their ability to provide proper care for their pets. The MCSO’s swift action in this case demonstrates their commitment to protecting animals from cruelty and neglect. The agency’s contracted veterinarian and detectives worked tirelessly to ensure that the dogs received the necessary care and attention. In conclusion, the case of Ebony Johnson and Telesfor Lovato serves as a stark reminder of the importance of treating animals with kindness and respect. The couple’s actions have had devastating consequences for their pets, and their case will likely serve as a deterrent to others who may be tempted to neglect or abuse animals.

The case of Ebony Johnson and Telesfor Lovato highlights the importance of treating animals with kindness and respect. The couple’s actions have had devastating consequences for their pets, and their case will likely serve as a deterrent to others who may be tempted to neglect or abuse animals. The MCSO’s contracted veterinarian and detectives worked tirelessly to ensure that the dogs received the necessary care and attention. The agency’s swift action in this case demonstrates their commitment to protecting animals from cruelty and neglect. In a statement, Sheriff Jerry Sheridan emphasized the importance of treating animals with kindness and respect. “Our pets depend on us for love, care and protection,” he said. “I want to make it clear that we will not tolerate any form of animal abuse or neglect in our community.”

The MCSO’s efforts to protect animals from cruelty and neglect have not gone unnoticed. The agency’s work has been recognized and praised by animal welfare organizations and advocates. In the end, the case of Ebony Johnson and Telesfor Lovato serves as a stark reminder of the importance of treating animals with kindness and respect. The couple’s actions have had devastating consequences for their pets, and their case will likely serve as a deterrent to others who may be tempted to neglect or abuse animals. The MCSO’s commitment to protecting animals from cruelty and neglect is a beacon of hope for those who care about animal welfare. The agency’s work will continue to make a difference in the lives of animals and their owners. The case of Ebony Johnson and Telesfor Lovato highlights the devastating consequences of animal neglect and abuse. The couple’s decision to euthanize Nala without attempting to seek veterinary care or provide her with food and water has been widely condemned. The fact that they had previously been homeless and only fed the dogs when they could afford it raises questions about their ability to provide proper care for their pets. The MCSO’s swift action in this case demonstrates their commitment to protecting animals from cruelty and neglect. The agency’s contracted veterinarian and detectives worked tirelessly to ensure that the dogs received the necessary care and attention. In the end, the case of Ebony Johnson and Telesfor Lovato serves as a stark reminder of the importance of treating animals with kindness and respect. The couple’s actions have had devastating consequences for their pets, and their case will likely serve as a deterrent to others who may be tempted to neglect or abuse animals. The MCSO’s commitment to protecting animals from cruelty and neglect is a beacon of hope for those who care about animal welfare. The agency’s work will continue to make a difference in the lives of animals and their owners. The case of Ebony Johnson and Telesfor Lovato highlights the devastating consequences of animal neglect and abuse. The couple’s decision to euthanize Nala without attempting to seek veterinary care or provide her with food and water has been widely condemned. The fact that they had previously been homeless and only fed the dogs when they could afford it raises questions about their ability to provide proper care for their pets. The MCSO’s swift action in this case demonstrates their commitment to protecting animals from cruelty and neglect. The agency’s contracted veterinarian and detectives worked tirelessly to ensure that the dogs received the necessary care and attention. The couple’s case has sparked a heated debate about animal welfare and the importance of providing proper care for pets. The MCSO’s efforts to protect animals from cruelty and neglect have not gone unnoticed, and the agency’s work will continue to make a difference in the lives of animals and their owners. The case of Ebony Johnson and Telesfor Lovato serves as a stark reminder of the importance of treating animals with kindness and respect. The couple’s actions have had devastating consequences for their pets, and their case will likely serve as a deterrent to others who may be tempted to neglect or abuse animals. The MCSO’s commitment to protecting animals from cruelty and neglect is a beacon of hope for those who care about animal welfare. The agency’s work will continue to make a difference in the lives of animals and their owners. The couple’s decision to euthanize Nala without attempting to seek veterinary care or provide her with food and water has been widely condemned. The fact that they had previously been homeless and only fed the dogs when they could afford it raises questions about their ability to provide proper care for their pets. The MCSO’s swift action in this case demonstrates their commitment to protecting animals from cruelty and neglect. The agency’s contracted veterinarian and detectives worked tirelessly to ensure that the dogs received the necessary care and attention. In the end, the case of Ebony Johnson and Telesfor Lovato serves as a stark reminder of the importance of treating animals with kindness and respect. The couple’s actions have had devastating consequences for their pets, and their case will likely serve as a deterrent to others who may be tempted to neglect or abuse animals. The MCSO’s commitment to protecting animals from cruelty and neglect is a beacon of hope for those who care about animal welfare. The agency’s work will continue to make a difference in the lives of animals and their owners. The case of Ebony Johnson and Telesfor Lovato highlights the devastating consequences of animal neglect and abuse. The couple’s decision to euthanize Nala without attempting to seek veterinary care or provide her with food and water has been widely condemned. The fact that they had previously been homeless and only fed the dogs when they could afford it raises questions about their ability to provide proper care for their pets. The MCSO’s swift action in this case demonstrates their commitment to protecting animals from cruelty and neglect. The agency’s contracted veterinarian and detectives worked tirelessly to ensure that the dogs received the necessary care and attention. In the end, the case of Ebony Johnson and Telesfor Lovato serves as a stark reminder of the importance of treating animals with kindness and respect. The couple’s actions have had devastating consequences for their pets, and their case will likely serve as a deterrent to others who may be tempted to neglect or abuse animals. The MCSO’s commitment to protecting animals from cruelty and neglect is a beacon of hope for those who care about animal welfare. The agency’s work will continue to make a difference in the lives of animals and their owners.