The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office says they removed more than a dozen animals from a ranch in New River after receiving multiple complaints from neighbors.
According to an MCSO spokesperson, neighbors reportedly saw the animals living in “terrible conditions” without food and water at Remington Deaf Ranch. In all, 16 animals were removed including horses, donkeys and dogs.
During the investigation authorities discovered three teenage boys who appeared to be working on the property, officials said. It appeared that the boys — who are believed to be from Ethiopia — were not physically abused.
It’s unknown how the teens came to live on the ranch, MCSO said. It's believed that the ranch also functions as a youth rehabilitation facility.
The Arizona Department of Child Safety has been notified and they’re looking into the welfare of the kids.
MCSO says the ranch is not licensed by the state of Arizona. The owner, Dan Remington, has not been arrested and an investigation is ongoing at this time.
