A Phoenix couple is facing animal abuse charges after investigators claimed they let two of their dogs starve to death.
According to the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, Ebony Johnson and Telesfor Lavato brought Nala and Star, both goldendoodles, to BluePearl Animal Hospital on June 21 because they were severely malnourished.
Nala weighed just under 17 pounds, and Star weighed slightly over 21 pounds. A goldendoodle’s typical weight should be around 66 pounds.
Nala died at the hospital. Johnson and Lovato told the veterinarian their third goldendoodle had died in their apartment earlier that day. According to the MCSO, the couple acknowledged only feeding their dogs when they could afford it because they were once homeless.
The MCSO received the surrender of Star, the last surviving dog, on June 23. She was also malnourished, with muscular atrophy and no visible fat. Star is currently in the care of the Maricopa County Sheriff Office’s Animal Safe Haven (MASH) section until she can be adopted.
On Wednesday, Johnson and Lavato were arrested and charged with four counts of animal cruelty, two of which were felonies.
“Our pets depend on us for love, care and protection,” Maricopa County Sheriff Jerry Sheridan said in a written statement. “I want to make it clear that we will not tolerate any form of animal abuse or neglect in our community. Every animal deserves to be treated with kindness and respect, and those who choose to harm them will be held accountable.”