Animal rescue owner arrested after dog was found neglected, left with Valley Fever

PHOENIX (KSAZ) - The owner of a local animal rescue has been arrested Thursday after a 4-year-old Labrador was allegedly neglected.

The lab was found in bad shape at a place that is supposed to be a safe haven for abandoned animals. The owner of Mavyn Animal Rescue, Rebekah Fox, is now in police custody and booked on one count of alleged animal cruelty, for allegedly failing to provide animal care to the lab, named Lady.

Alesia Apodaca and a friend discovered the sick lab when she entered to check on the animals while Fox was in the hospital for surgery. Apodaca found Lady scared and in a room all by herself.

Apodaca, who works with Arizona Small Dog Rescue, had asked Fox permission to take Lady to her job, after realizing the poor condition she was in. After Fox said no, Apodaca decided to take action into her own hands, and ended up taking Lady to the Humane Society.

The lab was in bad shape, dealing with tick and Valley Fever. Apodaca hasn't spoken to FOX 10 since the dog was rescued.

There is still an ongoing investigation on the case, and anyone with information should call Phoenix Police.