Arizona: Abused Pinal puppy gets a safe new home; Martin Benavidez, 51, charged with animal cruelty

ARIZONA -- The six-month old puppy that was hung from its hind legs by a former owner has found a new home.

The dog was rescued by Pinal County Sheriff deputies on June 16 from a home in San Tan Valley.

Neighbors reported seeing the animal hung upside down in the owner’s horse stable and hearing it whimper in pain.

Riksta Dickerson, a Pinal County Animal and Control officer, was one of the officers that responded to the scene. She recalled finding the dog underneath a table. As he emerged, she remembered observing the dog drag his hind end as he attempted to walk.

“He was in so much pain,” Dickerson said, “it really tugged on my heart.”

The dog was transported to the county’s animal shelter and given the name “Spur.” Dickerson, a lifelong lover of animals, said she couldn’t get Spur off her mind. She just couldn’t comprehend how someone could torture such a fun-loving dog.

Dickerson took it upon herself to foster Spur at her home as he recovered from his injuries. She quickly noticed Spur to be a little clingy, constantly checking in on her. It matched well with his new name, she said, because he would stick to someone like a spur to a boot.

He fit right in with Dickerson’s three other dogs, playfully running around with them in his new backyard. They’re apt to splashing around in Dickerson’s pool and jumping into bed with her.

Though Spur has healed from his injuries, she said he still suffers from a slight limp.

It’s not uncommon for animal control officers to fall in love with the animals they rescue, said Pinal County Animal Control Director Audra Michael. Especially in the cases that involve abuse, she said, her officers can easily get attached.

The types of abuse Michael’s officers typically respond to involve animals that are emaciated, dehydrated or in unfit living conditions. A dog hung upside down was a first for her, she said, and hopes not to see it again.

Spur’s former owner was arrested on charges of animal cruelty shortly after the dog was rescued. Martin Benavidez, 51, relinquished custody of the dog after being arrested.

Dickerson said she’s in the process of adopting Spur and expects to have it finalized by the end of this week.

(Tri Valley Central - June 30, 2016)

Earlier:

• Arizona: Martin Benavidez, 51, arrested for animal cruely; accused of hanging his puppy by its hing legs