More Than 50 Animals Rescued From Neglect in Arizona Heat, Including a Zebra and Camels

In a disturbing case of extreme animal neglect, more than 50 animals were rescued over the weekend from a property in Rio Verde, Arizona, after being left without food or water during a brutal heatwave. With temperatures reaching 114°F, the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office executed a major raid Saturday that uncovered what Sheriff Jerry Sheridan described as a “personal zoo”—and one of the most bizarre and heartbreaking cases of his career.

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Among the animals discovered in dire conditions were horses, camels, goats, sheep, rams, peacocks, tortoises, a cockatoo, a bull, and even a zebra. Neighbors were shocked by the scale of the rescue operation, which involved around ten vehicles and included a Rural Metro Fire truck carrying 2,000 gallons of emergency water. “You see the ribs protruding… it’s awful,” said neighbor Dan Greenup.

Authorities acted after a concerned resident visited the property two days in a row and found no sign of food or water for the animals. When officers arrived, they found severely dehydrated and malnourished animals with no shelter from the sweltering sun.

Brian Foley, a local horse owner, expressed outrage. “They live outside out here. They can’t even go a day without water in the summer,” he said.

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While most of the animals were transported to the Sheriff’s Animal Safe Haven (MASH) facility, some—including two camels and a zebra—became too distressed to move and had to remain on the property temporarily. Deputies will check on them daily until they can be safely relocated.

Sheriff Sheridan praised the fast response from Rural Metro Fire and emphasized that this case is part of a larger crackdown on animal cruelty. “We’ve only just begun,” he warned. “Anyone out there that is keeping their animals in unsafe conditions—this Sheriff will be knocking on your door.”

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Charges against the property owner are expected this week, and the investigation is ongoing. As officials work to ensure the animals’ recovery, the case serves as a grim reminder of the urgent need to report suspected animal neglect—before it’s too late.

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