The Goodyear Police Department has arrested 50-year-old Stephen Hunter for suspected animal cruelty after a video shared online raised concerns. Following a joint investigation with the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, officers served a search warrant and rescued six Cane Corso dogs. The dogs were taken for veterinary care, and Hunter was taken into custody, according to the Goodyear Police Department.
Goodyear's Police Chief, Brian Issitt, expressed the team's sentiments on the case: “This video was deeply concerning to all of us,” adding that, “Our investigators acted quickly to gather evidence, and thanks to the partnership with MCSO’s Animal Cruelty Unit, we were able to intervene, rescue the animals, and make an arrest,” as stated by the Goodyear Police Department.
Chief Issitt also acknowledged the concerted effort between law enforcement agencies which enabled them to address the matter swiftly, crediting their partners with a statement that read, “We thank the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office for their expertise and collaboration, as well as our Goodyear investigators who worked swiftly on this case,” which highlights the critical roles that both the local and county officials played in the successful intervention, as reported by the Goodyear Police Department. The investigation is still ongoing, and no further details have been released.
