Sheriff Arpaio says owner arrested, nine horses seized

MARICOPA COUNTY – Sheriff Joe Arpaio said his Animal Cruelty Unit arrested Buckeye resident Denise Denney (11/30/54), yesterday, for 13 counts of animal abuse stemming from her lack of care of horses on her property.

Sheriff’s detectives started an intense investigation to obtain evidence against Denney after receiving a tip about her abuse against animals.

Maricopa County Sheriff Office Animal Crimes detectives served a search warrant on March 12 at the home of Denney, 29209 W. Polk Street in Buckeye. During the search of the property, detectives found and seized nine horses, including a Clydesdale, and noted several other issues with animals on the property; however none as severe as the horses seized.

Detectives determined the 2-year-old Clydesdale was 700 to 800 pounds under weight and is severely sick. Another horse has a rare infestation; lice. Most of the horses also needed their teeth filed down and because of this they could not chew food properly and were in severe pain. All had overgrown hooves as well.

Denney was arrested for seven counts of animal abuse – cruel neglect, and six counts animal abuse – failure to provide medical treatment. Denney was booked into the 4th Avenue Jail

“She turned all her rights over,” said Sheriff Arpaio “Two horses are now at his Tents Jail being cared for by inmates, and the other seven will be brought over soon. We will nurse them back to health and then find them a loving home.”