Pet rescue owner accused of animal cruelty after horrific video surfaces

PHOENIX — The owner of an Arizona pet-rescue operation has been arrested on suspicion of animal cruelty, officials said.

Rebekah Fox-Laverty, owner of Mavyn Animal Rescue, was arrested following a gruesome video posted on social media earlier this month, Phoenix police confirmed.

The video posted in early December on a Facebook page shows a sick and emaciated yellow Labrador retriever. According to the Facebook post, the dog was taken from Mavyn Rescue to the Arizona Humane Society and another animal was rushed to an emergency veterinarian and had to be put down.

» VIDEO: South Florida woman caught beating small dog inside elevator

Arizona Humane Society spokeswoman Bretta Nelson confirmed the organization has been caring for the dog, named Baby, for the past several weeks.

"She's a very sick girl but has put on some weight since she has been under our care,'' Nelson said. “She has been transferred to an Arizona Humane Society foster hero home and continues being treated through the Arizona Humane Society's trauma hospital.”

Nelson said Baby’s nails were so overgrown that they curled under her paws.

“She is extremely shut down and won't really interact with people," Nelson added.

» The VA conducts gruesome experiments on dogs, then kills them. Investigation draws outrage

She said the organization anticipates Baby will remain in foster care and receive treatment through the Arizona Humane Society's trauma hospital for the next several months.

The organization's behavior team will then work with her on trusting people and gaining confidence.

"It's extremely, extremely heartbreaking," Nelson said.

About the Author