Maricopa County removes more than 35 dogs, snakes, spiders, hedgehogs from Mesa home

Thirty-five to 40 dogs, including puppies, and other animals were taken from their owners Wednesday in a suspected animal-cruelty case investigated by the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office.

At least 15 different dog breeds were found inside the east Mesa home, according to the Sheriff's Office. Other animals removed included six snakes, tarantulas, hedgehogs, lizards and several birds. Sheriff Joe Arpaio said the animals had been intended for sale.

"This is not a hoarding type operation where someone just wants to take care of all animals," Arpaio said. "It's an operation to make money."

The animals had no access to water during the day and little access to food, said Arpaio, who addressed reporters outside the house in the 8500 block of East Emelita Avenue, near Southern Avenue and Hawes Road.

The animals were examined by veterinarians, who took blood samples and gave shots to the dogs in an area outside the house.

Arpaio said the Sheriff's Office received a tip last week about possible animal abuse and began an investigation.

A man and a woman were initially being questioned in connection to the animals, as per the report. But a third suspect has been added to the list and, depending on the veterinarian's report of the animal's physical condition, criminal charges may be pressed against the three adults living in the home.

Debby Kepp, 52, lives three houses down from where found. She said she met the homeowners at a yard sale about a month ago.

"They said they were dog groomers and they had a mobile dog grooming thing," Kepp said, adding that she was unaware that the neighbors were keeping so many animals inside their home.