EBONY NYCOLE JOHNSON and TELESFOR IZIAH LOVATO arrested for allowing two of their dogs to starve to death

- Arizona, USA -

The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office arrested 26-year-old EBONY NYCOLE JOHNSON and 26-year-old TELESFOR IZIAH LOVATO (both pictured).

On June 21, 2025, the couple brought two female Goldendoodles, Nala and Star, to a BluePearl Animal Hospital location because the dogs were so malnourished and unable to walk on their own.

According to the press release by the sheriff’s office provided to Voice For Us, Nala weighed just under 17 pounds and Star weighed just over 21 pounds. Veterinary staff at the hospital explained that the average normal weight for a Goldendoodle should be about 66 pounds.

Although vets tried to revive Nala, she sadly passed away.

JOHNSON and LOVATO told the veterinarian they had a third Goldendoodle who had died at their apartment earlier in the day.

The couple went on to say “they had previously been homeless and would only feed the dogs when they could afford it”, stated the release.

The veterinarian gave the couple some dog food for Star and then contacted the sheriff’s office.

On June 23, 2025, Animal Crimes Detectives with the sheriff's office assumed the investigation and responded to the couple’s residence. JOHNSON and LOVATO surrendered Star, the only surviving furvictim of this tragedy.

Dr. Bernard Mangone evaluated Star and reported that the poor soul “was severely emaciated with sever[e] muscle wasting and no noticeable fat”, stated the release.

Dr. Mangone also performed a necropsy on Nala and concluded she died from starvation.

Star is now in the care of the Maricopa County Sheriff Office’s Animal Safe Haven (MASH) unit until she can be adopted.

On July 2, 2025, JOHNSON and LOVATO were arrested and charged with four counts of cruelty to animals, with two being felonies.

Maricopa County Sheriff Jerry Sheridan said in a written statement: “Our pets depend on us for love, care and protection. I want to make it clear that we will not tolerate any form of animal abuse or neglect in our community. Every animal deserves to be treated with kindness and respect, and those who choose to harm them will be held accountable.”

The name of the furvictim who died at the couple’s residence was not released. I took the liberty of naming him/her River for the tribute image. Should his/her given name be made public, I will rectify it accordingly.

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Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is sourced from the press release by the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office provided to Voice For Us. Please note that details may be removed or new information added should updates become available.

In the case of charges being dropped, dismissed, or the case being purged, this article will be rectified accordingly, if official documentation is provided to Voice For Us.

Mugshots and Star’s picture provided to Voice For Us by the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office

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Video: The arrest - Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office