Maricopa County couple arrested in animal abuse case, 2 Goldendoodles starved to death

PHOENIX — A couple from Maricopa County was arrested on Wednesday for animal abuse, according to the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office.

Ebony Johnson and Telesfor Lovato were booked by MCSO on four counts of cruelty to animals, with two being felonies, for starving three of their Goldendoodle dogs in late June.

Details on Maricopa County couple’s animal abuse

Johnson and Lovato arrived at BluePearl Animal Hospital on June 21 with two of their Goldendoodles. Nala and Star, the names of the two dogs, weighed in a 17 and 21 pounds, respectively. The average adult Goldendoodle weighs 66 pounds, according to MCSO.

Doctors tried reviving Nala, but she died from starvation.

The couple surrendered Star to detectives on June 23 and her condition improved after receiving care. Star will be treated by MCSO’s MASH unit and put up for adoption when back to normal health, MCSO said.

When Johnson and Lovato were at the animal hospital, they also said they had a third Goldendoodle that died in their apartment earlier on June 21. Authorities said Johnson and Lovato told the BluePearl veterinarian that they were recently homeless and only fed the dogs “when they could afford it.”

“Our pets depend on us for love, care and protection,” MCSO Sheriff Jerry Sheridan said in a press release. “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.”

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