Phoenix-area seeing increase in mistreatment of horses

0 December 17, 2025 00:45

Three horses were seized at a property near Buckeye on Tuesday morning during an animal neglect investigation, the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office reported.

Detectives with the MCSO Animal Crimes Unit and members of the agency’s MASH Unit served a search warrant at a property near 187th Avenue and Broadway Road after spotting a horse that looked malnourished.

When they checked the property, the sheriff’s office says investigators found one underfed horse and two miniature horses with hooves in such “horrible condition” they could barely stand.

Horse rescue groups report seeing an increase in abandoned and neglected horses in neighborhoods across the Valley, with rising ownership costs cited as a contributing factor.

Soleil Dolce, vice president of the Arizona Equine Rescue Organization, said the price of hay has increased significantly. A bale of hay that cost $13 a decade ago now costs $18, according to rescue officials.

“If you can’t take care of them, relinquish them,” said MCSO spokesperson Dave Moyer. “Call the sheriff’s office; we’ll give you the resources, and we’ll be able to take care of the animals for you.”

Molly McBride reports.

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