Two dogs were abandoned in the sweltering heat at Copper Sky Dog Park yesterday, marking the latest in a disturbing trend of pet dumping in Maricopa. Witnesses say a woman entered the park around midday, told a passerby she needed to rehome her pets, then left the dogs inside the off-leash enclosure and drove away. 

Volunteers from The Gud Ark, an animal sanctuary on Papago Road, rushed to the scene after receiving a call from a concerned resident who had witnessed the abandonment. The dogs, visibly overheated and distressed, were rescued just in time. 

“They were severely overheated, terrified and confused,” said Ellese Gudvangen, founder of The Gud Ark. “It took a while to cool them down and calm them. Today is the first day they’ve been able to relax.” 

This isn’t the first time dogs have been left at Maricopa’s largest dog park. Social media posts show this happened June 20 when a dog was left overnight in the dog enclosure. Just a month earlier, another dog was left in the same space.   

According to Gudvangen, this is not an isolated incident. 

“Maricopa is in a crisis with animals. We get a few calls every few days of dumped dogs. It’s heartbreaking,” she said. “Maricopa has become a dumping zone. The shelters are full. Sanctuaries are full. There’s nowhere for these animals to go.” 

Pinal County Animal Care and Control is operating at more than double its intended capacity. The shelter has 149 kennels but is currently housing around 360 dogs, said Director Audra Michael this week.  

In the December 2024 edition of InMaricopa magazine, we reported on the crisis. Pinal County’s only public shelter resumed euthanizing dogs for space for the first time in six years. Despite overwhelming public support for alternative solutions, county officials have rejected proposals that would expand shelter capacity and reduce unnecessary euthanasia. 

Gudvangen said her rescue, like many others in the region, is stretched to its limits. 

“We’re full. Little Whiskers is full. Pinal is at capacity and making heartbreaking decisions every day. People are dumping dogs at parks, at Petco, wherever they can. It’s a crisis,” she said. 

Gudvangen said dogs are being abandoned not just at the dog park, but at pet stores, at her facility or just left in the desert.  

“It’s tough, because we understand people are struggling,” Gudvangen added. “But at the end of the day, it’s the animals that suffer. If that man hadn’t stayed to watch those dogs, who knows what would’ve happened.” 

Volunteers have stepped up, offering temporary foster homes, veterinary care and transportation. The Gud Ark is asking for donations and volunteers to help cover medical costs and support daily care for rescued animals. 

Asked what people can do to help, Gudvangen had a few suggestions:  

Donate: Food, time, transportation, even companionship.  

Call: If you witness a stray animal, or one in distress, contact PCACC. They can check for microchips, which can help reunite the animal with its owner. Stray animals may be lost, not abandoned.  

“There is a problem here, and it’s only going to get better if we all do something, however small,” Gudvangen said. “Even sharing a post or donating a bag of food helps.” 

Pinal County officials have not yet responded to inquiries about the increase in abandonment cases at public parks or any plans for expanded animal welfare infrastructure. 

Maricopa’s Animal Control said there is no “observed increase” in abandoned dogs at Copper Sky Dog Park, but have seen similar cases in the past. In many of those cases, the dogs microchip was able to reunite it with the owner.

“While well-intentioned, this is not a recommended practice, as it can pose safety risks to the animal and others,” said Maricopa’s Communications Coordinator Elle Ortega. “Copper Sky is not a designated location for leaving or surrendering animals, and it is illegal to abandon pets under both city ordinance and Arizona state law.”

If you do find an abandoned dog in Maricopa, Ortega said to call the Maricopa Police Department non-emergency line at 520-568-3673.

“As for the most recent case that gained attention on social media, it is currently an active investigation,” said Ortega. “We encourage anyone with additional information to report it directly to the Maricopa Police Department.”

While the county handles growing animal abandonment and shelter overcrowding, Arizona lawmakers have taken a step toward addressing animal cruelty. Last month, Gov. Katie Hobbs signed Senate Bill 1658, known as “Jerry’s Law,” which gives law enforcement easier access to homes with suspected animal abuse.  

“No matter what type of pet you own, you have a responsibility of treating them with dignity and respect,” said Hobbs at a signing with the Arizona Humane Society. “I am proud to sign SB1658 into law which will strengthen protections for Arizona’s pets.” 

While the law focuses on severe abuse rather than neglect or abandonment, advocates say it’s part of a growing push to modernize Arizona’s animal welfare infrastructure. 

Meanwhile, the two dogs rescued from Copper Sky are expected to be placed in a foster home after receiving vaccinations from Pinal County Animal Services. Their rescuers remain hopeful someone will come forward with information about their original owner or offer them a permanent home. 

This article was updated to include statements provided by the City of Maricopa.