1 dog dead, dozens removed from shelter after complaint

One dog died and more than 50 others were taken to an an animal care and holding facility after an investigation at a Mesa animal shelter, the Maricopa County Sheriff ’s Office announced Friday.

Deputies responded to a call Thursday by a woman who had come to pick up her dog at the Shelter Paws animal shelter, at 8831 E. Apache Trail in east Mesa. The woman reported that when she entered the facility she saw numerous emaciated dogs in crates, according to an MCSO news release.

When deputies entered the facility, they saw more than 50 dogs who appeared to be extremely malnourished and were being kept in confinement with feces in their crates, the MCSO said. The Animal Crimes Unit was then called to the shelter to assume the investigation.

One dog died after being taken to a veterinarian in poor condition. Another 52 dogs were taken to the MSCO Animal Safe Haven facility in downtown Phoenix for evaluation and care.

“I want to first thank the individual who came forward,” Sheriff Paul Penzone said. “These dogs are now in our care, and we will ensure they have the opportunity to be brought back to full health.”

The owner of the shelter, Domenic Anthony Asprella, was seen earlier this year in an ABC15 feature where he was described as a Valley man on a mission to save “death-row dogs.”

On Sept. 10, Asprella created a Facebook fundraising campaign to help sustain the ongoing operations of a temporary shelter and fund the construction of an animal sanctuary on a parcel of land.

The MCSO said the owner of the shelter could face animal-abuse charges pending the outcome of the investigation.