Tonopah woman investigated for animal abuse

TONOPAH, Ariz. (KSAZ) - A Tonopah woman is facing charges after a dozen animals were found living in sickening conditions.

Maricopa County Sheriff's Office detectives raided her home following a number of calls from concerned people in the area.

Authorities found decaying food through the home and say there was a hoarding issue on the property.

Deputies had previously spoke with the owner on an unrelated case and told her to contact them if she needed help taking care of all the animals. They say she never reached out to them.

Workers removed 15 animals: six dogs, four birds, two ducks and geese, and a guinea pig. The dogs appeared to be riddled with ticks and were not well taken care of .

The owner of the animals has been in the hospital before the raid and will face charges when released.