MCSO rescues 13 dogs as part of ongoing West Valley animal neglect investigation

PHOENIX — The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office rescued 13 dogs from a motor home in the far West Valley Tuesday while serving a search warrant in relation to an ongoing animal neglect investigation.

According to MCSO, its Animal Crime Unit located the motor home in the area of Salome Highway and Old US 80.

While executing the warrant, detectives found three adults dogs and ten puppies inside the motor home. However, the alleged suspect — Gina Steffes — was not there and her whereabouts are not currently known.

Animal Crimes Investigation Update

“Cases like this are exactly why I ran for Sheriff, with the promise to dedicate detectives to pursuing crimes against animals. As long as I am your Sheriff, cases such as these will remain among my top priorities.”

– Sheriff Jerry Sheridan pic.twitter.com/KanV5fYrul

— Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office (@MCSOAZ) February 24, 2026

MCSO said that the dogs were taken to a veterinarian to be evaluated and receive the critical care they needed.

“Cases like this are exactly why I ran for Sheriff, with the promise to build up and dedicate detectives to pursuing crimes against animals,” Sheriff Jerry Sheridan said in a social media post. “No animal should suffer as these have, and as long as I am Sheriff, pursuing cases such as this one will remain among my top priorities.”

Details on the ongoing animal neglect investigation in West Valley

MCSO previously served a search warrant in the same area of the West Valley earlier this month after neighbors lodged complaints about Steffes.

Authorities said she lived in the recreational vehicle where the previous warrant was served, but moved it after hearing about the investigation and left nine dogs running loose or kenneled on the property.

Steffes allegedly kept the dogs in filthy conditions without adequate food, water or shelter, according to MCSO.

KTAR News’ Senior Editor Kevin Stone contributed to this report. 

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