Maricopa County deputies are conducting an animal abuse investigation in Chandler after a dog was found dead, likely due to the heat.
MCSO spokesman Doug Matteson said the dog had no water and was found dead on a porch near Cooper and Riggs roads.
Phoenix has seen a string of days with temperatures above 110 degrees. On Monday, Phoenix Sky Harbor reached 116 degrees, setting a new record for the day.
Three dogs and 40 chickens were found in the backyard, all alive, according to MCSO.
My Animal Abuse detectives arrested suspect in Chandler tonight. 1 dog deceased & seizing many animals. Please Watch animals in this heat
— Joe Arpaio (@RealSheriffJoe) June 21, 2016
MCSO said a neighbor witnessed the dog in the backyard convulsing and jumped the fence to try and help. Unfortunately, the neighbor and homeowner were unable to save the dog's life.
The dog's body was dragged to the front porch, said authorities.
When deputies arrived on scene, the homeowner, identified as 31-year-old Ismael Ochoa, allegedly ran to the backyard and tried to get in his vehicle in an attempt to get away. Deputies held him at gunpoint and took him into custody.
He was later escorted to a police vehicle where he was taken to Fourth Avenue Jail to be booked on felony animal abuse charges.
"My deputy sheriffs cornered him, dragged him out of the car and he admitted the dog probably didn't get enough water, dehydrated," said Sheriff Joe Arpaio of the suspect.
"It was 117 degrees. I was at the tents today. It was 139 degrees in the tents with the inmates so maybe this guy will end up in the tents," he said.
Body-cam video that was released to the media showed one of the dogs in the backyard with little water in its dish. Watch the clip in the video player above.
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