Maricopa County AZ – February 25, 2026 | By STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
WHAT’S HAPPENING
What happened to the 13 dogs rescued in Maricopa County?
On Wednesday, February 25, 2026, 13 dogs were rescued from an RV in Maricopa County and are now undergoing immediate medical evaluations.
Where were the dogs found living in unsanitary conditions?
The dogs were discovered living in filthy conditions inside a recreational vehicle owned by Gina Steffes in Maricopa County, Arizona.
Who is Gina Steffes and why are authorities looking for her?
Gina Steffes is the owner of the RV from which the dogs were rescued. Authorities are seeking her for questioning regarding the animal neglect.
What is the current status of the investigation into animal neglect in Maricopa County?
The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office Animal Crimes Unit is actively investigating the incident and seeking Gina Steffes. Prior neighbor complaints have been reported.
Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office deputies rescued 13 dogs, including puppies, from unsanitary conditions inside an RV on February 25, 2026. The animals have been seized for medical evaluation. Authorities are searching for the RV owner, Gina Steffes, in connection with the animal neglect investigation in Phoenix AZ.
Maricopa County Deputies Rescue 13 Dogs from Filthy RV
Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office deputies successfully rescued 13 dogs, including three adult dogs and 10 puppies, found living in “filthy conditions” inside a recreational vehicle belonging to Gina Steffes on Wednesday, February 25, 2026. The animals have been seized and transported for immediate medical evaluations. Authorities are actively seeking Steffes for questioning in connection with the incident.
Investigation into Animal Neglect in Maricopa County
The discovery was made when deputies located the RV associated with Gina Steffes. Inside, they found the dogs enduring unsanitary living circumstances. The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office Animal Crimes Unit is investigating the case.
Investigators reported that the conditions within the RV were described as “filthy,” necessitating the removal of all animals to ensure their well-being. The priority following the rescue was to provide the dogs with veterinary care to assess their health and begin their recovery.
Who is Gina Steffes and Why are Authorities Searching for the RV Owner?
Gina Steffes has been identified as the owner of the recreational vehicle from which the dogs were rescued. Deputies are currently searching for Steffes for questioning regarding the conditions in which the animals were found. She reportedly remains at large.
Reports indicate that there have been prior complaints from neighbors concerning neglected pets linked to Steffes. Authorities believe she may have relocated her RV after learning of an inquiry, potentially leaving animals behind. The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone with information regarding Steffes’ whereabouts to contact them.
Animal Cruelty Investigations in Maricopa County
Animal cruelty investigations carry serious legal consequences in Arizona, particularly when multiple animals are involved or when conditions pose significant health and safety risks. The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office consistently emphasizes its commitment to animal welfare and urges residents to report any suspected neglect. Maricopa County Animal Care & Control is a public animal shelter dedicated to finding positive outcomes for lost, surrendered, and stray dogs.
Summary of Canine Rescue Incident
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Date of Report | Wednesday, February 25, 2026 |
| Location of Rescue | Maricopa County, Arizona |
| Type of Location | Recreational Vehicle (RV) |
| Number of Animals Rescued | 13 Dogs |
| Composition of Dogs | 3 Adult Dogs, 10 Puppies |
| Condition of Environment | “Filthy conditions” |
| Owner Identified | Gina Steffes |
| Current Status of Owner | Sought for questioning, remains at large |
| Status of Animals | Seized, undergoing medical evaluations |
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Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
