30 to 40 malnourished dogs and cats seized
Goodyear, AZ (US)

Incident Date: Friday, Nov 9, 2007
County: Maricopa

Disposition: Alleged

Alleged: Mary Ford

A human skull, fireworks and between 30 to 40 malnourished dogs and cats were found at a woman's home in Goodyear, Maricopa County sheriff's deputies said.

Deputies said they took Mary Ford, 48, into custody. She faces multiple charges.

Eight pounds of packaged marijuana and eight full-grown marijuana plants were found in the back yard of the mobile home near Saraval and Dunlap, according to Doug Matteson with the MCSO.

Deputies said it appeared the skull had been there for some time.

"We're told it is an actual human skull," Matteson said.

He added the skull will be examined further during their investigation. Authorities will check dental records to see if the skull has any link to any unsolved crimes or missing persons cases.

Deputies said they went to the home to follow up on an investigative lead. They said they gathered enough information to obtain a search warrant.

Neighbors said they would look after the starving animals, which also included several horses and a pig.

Investigators said they were determining whether Ford had abused the animals.

References

• KPHO - Nov 9, 2007

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