BUCKEYE, Ariz. — Animal Wellness Action today commended the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office for arresting a woman on multiple counts of animal cruelty after nearly two dozen dogs were discovered in squalid, unsafe conditions near Buckeye in the West Valley. The arrest underscores the urgent need to enforce laws against hoarding, a severe form of animal cruelty that causes prolonged suffering and poses public health risks.
According to court documents and law enforcement officials, deputies arrested Gina Marie Steffes on 22 counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty. Between Feb. 9 and Feb. 24, deputies responded repeatedly to reports of unsafe conditions, including living areas filled with feces, undersized metal cages, and animals tethered with limited mobility. Deputies seized nine dogs on Feb. 18 and 13 more, including young puppies, on Feb. 24 after executing search warrants. All animals are receiving emergency veterinary care.
“Animal hoarding is not just neglect,” said Wayne Pacelle, president of Animal Wellness Action. “It is a serious form of cruelty that results in prolonged suffering, unsanitary conditions, and repeated abandonment. Hoarding is often linked to mental health conditions, including obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, and anxiety, and individuals may lack insight into the harm they are causing. We commend the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office for their thorough investigation, arrest, and rescue of these animals before further harm occurred.”
Hoarding often involves large numbers of animals living in conditions far beyond a person’s ability to provide adequate care. In addition to physical neglect, hoarded animals can suffer psychological trauma, malnutrition, and disease, and such situations can create hazardous conditions for surrounding communities.
While Steffes awaits trial, a judge has barred her from owning or contacting animals. Animal Wellness Action emphasizes that enforcement actions like this send a clear message: animal cruelty — including hoarding — will not be tolerated and will be pursued vigorously.
“We urge community members to report suspected hoarding and neglect,” Pacelle added. “A single tip can trigger investigations that save lives and hold abusers accountable.”
Animal Wellness Action advocates for stronger enforcement of local and state animal cruelty laws and supports humane interventions when animals are at risk.