Demand justice for Arizona animals frozen to death in garage freezer

A man in Arizona is facing animal cruelty charges after nearly 200 animals were found frozen in his garage freezer, including dogs, rabbits, birds and other species.

The 43-year-old suspect, Michael Patrick Turland, was reported to the authorities after he failed to return a neighbor's snake that he had borrowed for breeding purposes. Animal Control officers who responded to the case found the deceased animals in a large freezer in the garage of a rented home in Mohave County with indications that some of the animals were placed in the freezer while they were still alive.

The suspect later admitted to freezing some of the animals to death.

Michael Patrick Turland is facing 94 counts of animal cruelty and could also face charges for animal hoarding under Arizona law. Most animal abuse cases in Arizona are class 1 misdemeanors, which carry a maximum sentence of six months of jail time, while serious animal abuse cases can be upgraded to felony changes and carry a maximum sentence of 2.5 years.

Take Action Now

Please join Species Unite in urging Arizona prosecutors to fight for justice for the victims of this horrific crime. Michael Patrick Turland must receive the maximum possible sentence and never be allowed to be in possession of another animal again.