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Man with warrant in 2018 Mesa animal cruelty case arrested
A standoff in Yavapai County led to the arrest of Dominic Asprella, a suspect wanted since 2018 for a Mesa animal cruelty case involving 53 neglected dogs.
YAVAPAI COUNTY, Ariz. - A man arrested following a standoff in Yavapai County is also wanted in connection with a 2018 animal cruelty case in the Valley, officials said.
What we know:
Photo courtesy of the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office
Dominic Asprella, 54, surrendered Thursday, Nov. 6, after a standoff at a home in Congress. Authorities found 39 cats and dogs inside the residence.
Deputies said Asprella was previously charged with animal cruelty in Maricopa County in 2018 when he owned Shelter Paws Sanctuary in Mesa. At that time, 53 dogs were removed from the shelter due to neglect and malnourishment; five of the dogs later died.
Records show Asprella accepted a plea deal in that case but failed to appear in court, prompting a warrant for his arrest.
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