MCSO: More than 100 animals kept at Phoenix property

Deputies investigating an animal-cruelty case in north Phoenix on Monday are referring to the property where they discovered more than 100 mistreated animals as "Noah's Ark."

Andrea Mikkel had collected zebras, horses, donkeys, chickens, pigs, sheep, alpacas and more, which she kept on her property near 27th Avenue and Desert Hills Drive in some of the worst conditions that animal-cruelty detectives said they've seen, according to a Maricopa County Sheriff's Office spokesman.

There appeared to be at least two of each animal.

"You name it, it's here," Deputy Joaquin Enriquez said while at the residence.

Enriquez said Mikkel will face a charge for each of the nearly 60 animals taken from her home and booked into jail upon her release from a hospital.

During questioning at a Sheriff's Office substation, Mikkel reportedly "ripped the aluminum tab from a soda can and swallowed it," prompting her hospitalization, Enriquez said.

Sheriff's officials with a search warrant for Mikkel's property said the animals were being kept without proper shelter, food, water or medical attention, Enriquez said. Neighbors told investigators they piled up rocks as a barrier to keep animal feces from overflowing onto their properties.

Inside the home, deputies discovered more animals and unhealthy conditions, Enriquez said. Excrement covered furniture, appliances and beds, and the waste had piled up to nearly a foot in the garage, he said.

"It is our understanding that she does sleep here," Enriquez said about Mikkel, adding that the investigation might have prevented her and the animals inside the residence from incurring serious health issues.

Nearly 60 animals were seized from the home on Monday.The exotic animals found at the home will eventually be turned over to facilities that can give them appropriate care, Enriquez said.

Deputies initially went to the property about two weeks ago after receiving complaints of a foul stench coming from the residence, but Enriquez said Mikkel would not cooperate.

Mikkel is the acting vice president of the Miniature Horse Association of Arizona, a non-profit organization that aims to "promote the miniature horse as a breed," according to the group's website.

The website listed Mikkel as a featured member and said she has been involved with horses for most of her life.

"While living in North Phoenix, off the Carefree Highway, she has acquired even more exotic equine, the Gypsy Vanners, Donkeys, Mini Mules, a Clydesdale and Zebras besides her Quarter horses and Miniature horses," the website said.

An attempt to reach a group representative was unsuccessful Monday night.