Re: Request for Coordinated Investigation and Immediate Preservation of Equine Evidence — Events of August 21, 2025 (Navajo County, Arizona)
Date Started : August 26, 2025
We respectfully petition the above authorities to open a coordinated investigation into the alleged abuse, torture, theft, and unlawful disposition of horses on August 21, 2025, in Navajo County, Arizona, and to take immediate steps to preserve all related evidence including the horses themselves.
Factual Background (summary)
• On August 21, 2025, seven Navajo County residents allegedly participated in acts of abuse and/or torture of horses and in the unlawful removal of horses from private property and adjacent private properties where the animals had legal right and or permission to be.
• The horses are evidence central to identity, ownership, valuation, condition, and the chronology of events. On August 24th a Navajo County Deputy Sheriff stated he had been informed that the animals may be auctioned, transferred, concealed, or transported out of state imminently. Many of the horses are likely to be headed to slaughter houses.
• The individuals currently possessing these horses, and other witnesses, have discussed at length Arizona’s public-notice (estray) requirements for seized/stray livestock, yet to those legal requirements have not been honored. There are no known public notices to be found. The fact that the horses are to be sold immediately without following the law indicates, disposing of evidence in relation to alleged crimes and therefore indicates, nefarious circumstances requiring immediate action. Details, photos, and supporting materials are available at: https://torturedhorses.com/.
Legal Context (for agency triage)
• Arizona animal-cruelty statute, A.R.S. § 13-2910 (as amended), prohibits cruel mistreatment, cruel neglect, and related conduct toward animals.
• Arizona estray livestock law, A.R.S. § 3-1402, requires notice to the Arizona Department of Agriculture, a 7–14 day hold, public posting in three places at least five days before any sale, and allows the owners to reclaim the animal before sale upon proof of ownership and payment of fees.
• Movement or sale of livestock without proper documentation (e.g., brand inspection, bill of sale, or for equines, Ownership & Hauling Certificates; and interstate Certificates of Veterinary Inspection with negative EIA/Coggins) may violate state law.
Requested Actions
We request the following immediate steps:
1) Open a coordinated criminal and regulatory investigation into the August 21, 2025 recorded abuses, including potential violations of A.R.S. § 13-2910.
2) Issue and serve preservation/hold notices on any private possessors of the horses; order no sale, transfer, branding/microchipping, slaughter, or out-of-state movement until further notice.
3) Direct the Arizona Department of Agriculture (Livestock Services/State Veterinarian) to place administrative holds on equine Ownership & Hauling Certificates and any interstate CVI/EIA paperwork for the subject horses.
4) Ensure compliance with estray laws, including a 7–14 day hold and public posting requirements, and honor any owner’s right to reclaim before any sale.
5) Assign a case number and a single point of contact for status updates; acknowledge receipt of this petition in writing within five (5) business days.
Known Persons/Locations (for service & triage)
Known or likely private possessors/custodians include: Full names and address provided upon request to Appropriate Agency Only.
Some of horses were taken from private property and/or surrounding private adjacent properties, where the horses had permission to be. They should be returned to those same private properties immediately at the possessors expense.
Safety and Non‑Retaliation
Please take appropriate steps to prevent harassment or retaliation against reporting parties and witnesses.
To (sent concurrently to):
Sheriff David Clouse Navajo County Sheriff’s Office 137 W. Arizona Street Holbrook, AZ 86025 Mailing: P.O. Box 668, Holbrook, AZ 86025 Phone: (928) 524-4050
County Attorney Brad Carlyon Navajo County Attorney’s Office Mailing: P.O. Box 668 Holbrook, AZ 86025-0668 Phone: (928) 524-4026
Director Paul E. Brierley Arizona Department of Agriculture 1110 W Washington St, Suite 450 Phoenix, AZ 85007 Mailing: 1802 W. Jackson St., #78, Phoenix, AZ 85007 Phone: (602) 542-0990
Attorney General Kris Mayes Arizona Attorney General’s Office 2005 N Central Ave Phoenix, AZ 85004-1545 Phone: (602) 542-5025
Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins U.S. Department of Agriculture 1400 Independence Ave. SW Washington, DC 20250 Phone: (202) 720-2791