⚠️WARNING⚠️The article contains pictures that may be upsetting to some of you ⚠️
The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest of 38-year-old JOHN DAVID JACKSON (pictured).
During a press conference, Sgt. Joaquin Enriquez explained that it all started with a call from a concerned neighbor near 299th Avenue in Gila Bend who alerted deputies to the abuse of many dogs that he described as “despicable and disturbing.”
According to the office press release provided to Voice For Us, deputies and Animal Crimes Detectives responded to the location and upon arrival they “encountered a scene of severe neglect involving more than a dozen dogs living in deplorable conditions.”
The dogs were found confined to outdoor kennels covered in feces and did not have access to food, clean water, and proper shelter.
JACKSON was not at the property and officials learned from neighbors that he had been away for weeks.
After obtaining a search warrant, detectives entered the residence and found Cane Corso puppies near what detectives believe was their deceased mom.
As the search went on, multiple dogs were found confined in the side yard and seven of them “were in terrible condition, having resorted to feeding on the remains of two deceased dogs”, stated the release.
Officials removed eleven (11) adult dogs, one of them was a French Bulldog, and seven (7) Cane Corso puppies.
All of the furvictims were turned over to The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office MASH (MCSO Animal Safe Haven) unit ensuring they received immediate veterinary care.
The three furvictims who were found deceased were taken to a veterinarian for a necropsy to determine the cause of death.
Detectives had been trying to talk to JACKSON for days. Sgt. Enriquez explained that detectives talked to him over the phone after they had been at the home but JACKSON refused to respond and care for the dogs.
JACKSON was finally taken into custody on April 9, 2025, in Avondale near 99th Avenue and McDowell Road, after being on the run since April 5. “He was actively eluding us”, said Sgt. Enriquez.
JACKSON is accused of several felony animal abuse charges. He is behind bars on a $50,000 bond.
Detectives believe JACKSON was using social media platforms to sell these poor souls. Sgt. Enriquez also said they do not know who else is working with JACKSON so the investigation remains active and additional charges are possible pending veterinary reports.
On a separate note, Sgt. Enriquez said that JACKSON has been charged with animal cruelty in another county.
Maricopa County Sheriff Jerry Sheridan said: ”I am outraged by the unimaginable suffering these animals endured, and I assure the public that we will take swift and decisive action to seek justice. No animal should ever have to endure such neglect, and I pledge to relentlessly pursue those who commit these heinous acts.”
The rescued furvictims remain in the care of the MCSO MASH unit and are getting round-the-clock care by a veterinarian team. They have several health issues, including parvo, worms, eye infections, and more.
“I wanna make some very clear, just because dogs don’t speak, that doesn’t make them any less of an issue for us “, said Sgt. Enriquez.
Disclaimer: This story is sourced from the press release by the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office provided to Voice For Us. Please note that details may be removed or new information added should updates become available.
In the case of charges being dropped, dismissed, or the case being purged, this article will be rectified accordingly, if official documentation is provided to Voice For Us.
JACKSON’s mugshot provided to Voice For Us by the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office
The pictures in the gallery were kindly provided to Voice For Us by the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office
