Man Sentenced to 60 Days, Plus Probation for Animal Cruelty

FLORENCE, Ariz. (April 11, 2019) –  Judge Pro Tem Jack Pritt of the Western Pinal Justice Court found Wayne Miller guilty of 14 counts of Animal Cruel following a bench trial on February 15, 2019.  Miller was sentenced on April 10, 2019, to 60 days jail and three years’ probation and is not to possess any animals during that time period.

During the trial, evidence revealed Miller had 14 dogs locked up at his rural Maricopa property.  Upon executing a search warrant, Animal Control Officers found layers of animal feces, trash, torn furniture, car batteries, and other items littering the property.   Additionally, officers noted there was no drinkable water and food was intermixed with feces and trash lining the floor.  The dogs were aggressive to one another and were clawing their way at the interior walls that led to the outside.  A carcass of one dead dog was food for other dogs on the property.

Deputy County Attorney Chad Heywood prosecuted the case.

“The conditions these animals were kept in was deplorable, and my goal in this prosecution was to make sure no other animals had to suffer the same fate at the hands of this Defendant,” Heywood said.

This was the second animal cruelty conviction for Miller.  His first conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred in October 2017.  He was convicted on his first offense in May 2018.

If you suspect animal cruelty, please contact Pinal County Animal Control at 520-509-3555.  For calls after hours, please contact the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office.