March 26, 2012

Caption:             Councilman     Michael Nowakowski

On Friday, March 23, the city of Phoenix received a complaint of dead animals at a property located near 15th Avenue and Baseline Road. Although the dead animals were located on private property, city staff went to the site and removed the remains of nine animals.

Today the city learned that the property in question is 10 acres.  Staff from the Neighborhood Services and Public Works departments inspected the property this afternoon and discovered additional dead animals on the property, along with trash, vegetation and animal waste. The city has issued a notice of violation (Code 27-12, 27-16 and 39-7) to the owner for trash, vegetation and animal waste.  The Notice requires that the property owner clean up the property and remove the dead animals within seven days.  

“The city has gone above and beyond our role in this matter to ensure the problem is handled as quickly as possible,” said Councilman Michael Nowakowski, chair of the City Council Public Safety, Veterans, Transparency and Ethics Subcommittee.  “Phoenix Police is looking into the situation to determine if this case involves animal cruelty.  I have asked for an investigation to bring those responsible to justice.”

The city will re-inspect the property in eight days.  If the property owner has not corrected the violations, the city will coordinate with the Prosecutor’s Office to move forward with civil and/or criminal charges.  

The city of Phoenix wants to remind residents that property owners are responsible for maintaining their properties.  Also, illegal dumping is a crime with penalties of a maximum fine of $2,500 per violation and up to six months in jail.  If you witness an illegal dumping in progress, residents are encouraged to call 9-1-1.
 

Media Contacts:

• E-mail
• Print