Pima County authorities rescue pigs, dogs and snake in cruelty case

On October 23, 2024By Yukito

The Pima County Sheriff’s Department is investigating an animal cruelty case following a search warrant at a Tucson home that rescued 10 Kunekune pigs, three dogs, a gopher snake, a desert tortoise, six sulcata tortoises and two red-eared sliders.

Community Affairs Unit detectives, assisted by the Pima Animal Care Center and the Arizona Game and Fish Department, also recovered one deceased Sonoran toad.

Authorities have identified 51-year-old Christopher Pfeil in connection with the case. The man was on probation for a previous animal cruelty conviction and told authorities he was experiencing a mental health crisis. He was taken to a local hospital for evaluation.

Both felony and misdemeanor charges are expected to be forwarded to the Pima County Attorney’s Office for review. The investigation remains ongoing and authorities reaffirm their commitment to protecting animal welfare in the community.