Cochise County sheriff saves elderly dog abandoned on I-10 near Benson; owner charged
A woman was arrested after the sheriff of Cochise County and his wife found an elderly dog on Interstate 10 in Benson.
According to the Cochise County Sheriff's Office, Sheriff Mark J. Dannels found the elderly dog suffering from impaired vision, walking down the Skyline Road exit ramp of Interstate 10 on Aug. 26. His wife put the dog in their vehicle before driving off, according to a Facebook post.
A Cochise County Sheriff's Office Animal Control officer took custody of the dog and found out the dog was chipped. Officials said its last registered owner lived in Maricopa County, and they attempted to contact the owner several times with no response.
On Wednesday, the investigation into locating the dog owner was continued by Dannels and Community Outreach Supervisor Sgt. Ray McNeely, who were in Phoenix for a community event.
The Sheriff's Office said the owner was located at her home in central Phoenix and that her initial story was misleading. The woman told the sheriff and sergeant she was never in Cochise County, but then admitted to leaving the dog alongside the I-10, along with failing to notify law enforcement and ignoring the attempts to reach her.
The woman was charged with cruelty to animals, according to the Sheriff's Office, and is due back in court later this month.
The Sheriff's Office said the dog is currently being held at a shelter until the criminal case is adjudicated. Updates will be posted to the office's Facebook page.
Officials identified the dog as Henry and said a shelter in Maricopa County has listed him as a Chihuahua/min-pin mix. Henry is about 10 years of age, but there is reason to believe he is actually 12-13 years old.
Animal Control officers picked Henry up from the shelter last week and prepared for an interview with a potential foster parent. They said he is being placed with full understanding that the county has control of him until the case is over.
Officials said they have made a list of everyone who expressed interest in keeping Henry safe, and will make contact if needed as they work through the case.
The Arizona Republic does not name people accused of crimes if it does not plan to cover their criminal cases through the judicial process.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Cochise County sheriff rescues dog left on I-10 near Benson
