A Valley couple has been booked on four counts of animal cruelty in connection with their treatment of three dogs, two of which died, authorities said Wednesday.

Ebony Johnson and Telesfor Lovato brought their two goldendoodles - Nala and Star - to the BluePearl Animal Hospital on June 21 to receive veterinary care.

“Both dogs were extremely emaciated and unable to walk on their own,” a Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office release stated. Nala weighed just under 17 pounds and Star weighed slightly more than 21 pounds.

The average normal weight for a goldendoodle is about 66 pounds, authorities stated, quoting a veterinarian at BluePearl.

Nala died at the hospital where the couple told the veterinarian they had previously been homeless and would only feed the dogs when they could afford it, according to the release. They also told the vet they had a third goldendoodle that died at their apartment earlier in the day.

The veterinarian provided the couple with dog food for the surviving dog and contacted MCSO about the animals.

MCSO animal crimes detectives assumed the investigation June 23 and went to the couple’s address. Star was turned over to the detectives.

The dog was evaluated by MCSO’s contracted veterinarian who stated “Star was severely emaciated with severe muscle wasting and no noticeable fat.”

The dog is in the care of MCSO’s MASH unit and will remain there until she is well enough to be placed for adoption.

The veterinarian determined Nala died from starvation. 

Two of the four cruelty animal charges are felonies, authorities said.

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