PD: Peoria woman had surrendered 40 dogs before police seized dozens more

PEORIA, AZ (AZFamily) — A Peoria woman had previously surrendered 40 dogs to animal control before police recently seized more than 60 dogs from her home earlier this week, authorities said.

Peoria Police Officer Kristopher Babros said officers had responded to the property more than 100 times between 2023 and 2026. The 40 dogs had been removed from the same house over that time period following calls for noise complaints, animal welfare issues and domestic violence.

The woman who lived in the now-sealed home was no stranger to Peoria police and animal control, according to authorities. Police also found three dead animals during the recent seizure.

Babros said the woman was initially cooperative and allowed police inside the home, which was in livable condition at that time. She turned over the dogs when the authorities requested it.

“She was cooperative for quite some time, but then became extremely uncooperative and wouldn’t let us come in her house, wouldn’t grant us any access,” Babros explained.

The situation deteriorated over time, and photos showed the conditions inside the home. Police said it took time to issue enough citations and compile them before taking the case to a city prosecutor to get a warrant.

“Each case is a case by case basis. And we’re looking with this as far as the odor, as far as the amount of dogs that are in there. Once all of the cases got put together, we ended up going over to the Peoria City Court’s office,” Babros said.

Former animal cruelty prosecutor Kate Chupka Schultz, a senior attorney at the Center for a Humane Economy, said these situations are difficult to combat because of the Fourth Amendment’s protections against unreasonable searches and seizures.

“But sometimes you need to enter the home in order to get that probable cause. There’s kind of that catch 22,” Chupka Schultz said.

A new law passed last year clarified what neglect means, making it easier for law enforcement to step in. However, the cases still present challenges.

Peoria Police released pictures of some of the dogs that are now receiving care.

“Unfortunately, sometimes neglect issues that might begin with something that is, a loving owner and things get out of the control, there is a point at which it can and should become a criminal matter,” Chupka Schultz said.

Police said the homeowner was renting the property to the woman and was uncooperative with the investigation, showing no concern about conditions inside the home.

If the woman returns to the house, she will be arrested for trespassing. Babros said it could take months for charges to be brought up due to the investigation.

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