Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office Seizes 34 Animals From Phoenix Rescue
Officers executed a warrant at a north Phoenix property on Nov. 3, 15 years after the owner received a prior conviction for animal cruelty.
By Julia Novak ·
The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office is investigating allegations of animal cruelty at a property in north Phoenix. On Nov. 3, officers served a search warrant near the intersection of 19th Avenue and Happy Valley Road following complaints regarding the condition of the animals on site.
Members of the Animal Crimes Unit seized 24 dogs, nine cats, and one horse from the residence. The animals were transported to the MCSO’s Mobile Animal Support and Housing unit. They are currently in quarantine due to their medical status.
The property is owned by Diane Habener, who operates Tuffie’s Animal Rescue. MCSO confirmed that Habener’s name appeared on the search warrant. Samantha DiGiandomenico, an animal activist, viewed video footage of the interior last week. She described the scene as horrific, noting that feces covered the floors and that some dogs were emaciated enough to show their ribcages and bones.
Habener was convicted of animal cruelty on nine counts in 2011. A judge sentenced her to probation at that time. During the previous incident, authorities removed 114 animals from her property, with most suffering from malnutrition and dehydration.
Former Maricopa County Prosecutor Josh Kolsrud noted that prosecuting animal cruelty in the area is difficult because animals cannot provide testimony. He described the problem in Maricopa County as a major issue for various reasons. DiGiandomenico expressed frustration that the conditions have persisted for a decade and a half. She stated that Habener is not a good person and urged officials to hold such individuals accountable.
Habener spoke with Arizona’s Family by phone on Thursday. She declined a formal interview and said she did not want to discuss the current investigation. She described the situation as involving a lot of miscommunication but offered no further details.
MCSO has not made any arrests. A sheriff’s office spokesperson indicated that the Animal Crimes Unit has extensive follow-up work to complete.
A second search warrant was not mentioned in the source, but the investigation continues as of the report date. The animals remain in quarantine at the MASH unit.
