Phoenix animal rescue owner investigated over cruelty allegations

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 6 Nov, 02:51 · Archive

The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office investigated a north Phoenix animal rescue and seized 24 dogs, 9 cats and a horse on 3 November.

The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office served a search warrant at a property near 19th Avenue and Happy Valley Road after complaints of continued animal cruelty. The animal crimes unit seized 24 dogs, 9 cats and a horse, which were taken to the MASH unit and placed in quarantine due to their medical condition.

The property is owned by Diane Habener, who runs Tuffie's Animal Rescue. An animal activist said she was sent a video from inside the property showing 'feces all over the house, dogs laying in feces, dogs that were just ribcage showing skin and bones'.

Habener was convicted in 2011 on nine counts of animal cruelty and sentenced to probation. In that previous case, 114 animals were seized from her property, most suffering from malnutrition and dehydration. When contacted by phone, Habener declined an interview request and said only that 'there's been a lot of miscommunication'.

How it is being reported

• Phoenix animal rescue owner faces new scrutiny 15 years after cruelty convictionOn Nov. 3, MCSO served a search warrant after complaints of continued animal cruelty. The animal crimes unit seized 24 dogs, 9 cats and a horse.KOLD · 6 Nov, 01:22
• Phoenix animal rescue owner faces new scrutiny 15 years after cruelty convictionOn Nov. 3, MCSO served a search warrant after complaints of continued animal cruelty. The animal crimes unit seized 24 dogs, 9 cats and a horse.Azfamily · 6 Nov, 01:22

In this story: Diane Habener · Tuffie's Animal Rescue · Phoenix · Maricopa County Sheriff's Office

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log