Paulina Pineda

Arizona Republic

Mickey, the pit bull whose life was spared after mauling a 4-year-old Phoenix boy in February, is an "exemplary inmate," according to Sheriff Joe Arpaio.

"Mickey is a great dog," Arpaio said. "I know it's a life sentence, but it seems like he's enjoying himself."

Arpaio testified Thursday before Phoenix Municipal Court Judge Deborah Griffith at a hearing to discuss the dog's status.

Mickey has been defanged, neutered and microchipped and will remain housed in the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office's Animal Safe Haven center for the rest of his life. MASH is a no-kill animal shelter.

Mickey was placed in the MASH Unit after Griffith ruled he be sent to a permanent animal-rehabilitation center instead of being euthanized. Throughout the heated legal battle, animal lovers petitioned for the dog's life to be spared.

Mickey is isolated from other dogs and is allowed outside recreational time on the building's roof. The MASH Unit, housed in the former First Avenue Jail, has a covered roof that functions as an outdoor play center.

Mickey is taken to the roof several times a day, and employees at the MASH Unit described Mickey as a docile dog who loves to chew on bones.

Attorney John Schill, who represents Mickey's trust, the Companion Animal Trust for the Benefit of Mickey, said he visits the dog once a week. The trust covers veterinary costs, food and toys.

"MASH money is not paying for any of his expenses," he said.

During the hearing on Thursday, Griffith clarified that Mickey isn't allowed outside the jail, even under supervised care, after Schill questioned whether the dog was allowed to go for walks outside the MASH Unit.

"I appreciate MASH for providing a place for him," Griffith said. "It sounds like he's doing well."

Mickey's next status conference is scheduled for May 14.