MCSO Investigating Suspected Animal Neglect After Dogs Found Without Water, One Dead in Wittmann
iSkyNews.com (ISN) – Published August 26th, 2026
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WITTMANN, Ariz. — The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a suspected case of animal neglect after deputies responding to a Wittmann home found several dogs without water and one dog dead.
According to MCSO, a concerned citizen contacted authorities on Tuesday, August 25, to report possible animal neglect at a residence in the Wittmann area.
Patrol deputies responded to the property and began checking on the animals. While at the home, deputies reported seeing dogs without access to water. They also discovered one deceased dog at the property.
After seeing the conditions, deputies contacted the MCSO Animal Crimes Unit, which was called to the residence to conduct a more detailed investigation.
MCSO has not released additional information about the condition of the surviving dogs or whether any animals were removed from the property.
ACU detectives interviewed the owner, 39-year-old Rafael Flores, who admitted he had not given the dogs water since Sunday. Four surviving dogs, including the deceased remains were seized. He was booked into the MCSO Jail on felony and misdemeanor animal neglect charges.
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| A Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office deputy escorts 39-year-old Rafael Flores following an animal neglect investigation in Wittmann. MCSO said Flores admitted he had not given the dogs water since Sunday. He was booked on felony and misdemeanor animal neglect charges. (Courtesy: Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office) |
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| Dogs are seen at a Wittmann property where Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a report of suspected animal neglect on August 25, 2026. MCSO said deputies found dogs without water and one deceased dog. (Courtesy: Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office) |
Authorities have also not announced any additional arrests or charges in connection with the investigation.
The circumstances surrounding the death of the dog and how long the animals may have been without water remain under investigation.
The case comes as the Phoenix area and surrounding communities continue to experience dangerous summer temperatures. On Tuesday, Phoenix Sky Harbor reached 115 degrees, setting a new daily record high for August 25.
Additional information is expected as the MCSO Animal Crimes Unit continues its investigation.
Source: Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office
iSkyNews.com will update this story if additional information is released by MCSO.
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