By Aidan Mortensen | KOAL News | Photo courtesy of Best Friends Animal Shelter

Update: June 19, 2025

Two people have been arrested for their alleged involvement with the dogs abandoned in the San Rafael Swell in May.

Arianna Garcia, age 33, and Deborah Charles, age 67, have been arrested on charges of aggravated animal cruelty.

The dogs were discovered by tourists hiking the area in May. The tourists provided the dogs with food and water while rescuers removed them from the area. At the time, the Best Friends Animal Shelter fostered the animals while they searched for new homes for them.

Original Story:

Over the weekend, 14 dogs were discovered abandoned in the San Rafael Swell. The dogs are now in the hands of the Best Friends Animal Shelter and other nonprofit animal organizations while they search for foster homes.

“These dogs are shy, timid, and fearful – but have so much potential,” reads a social media post from the Best Friends Animal Shelter.” We believe they will thrive in calm, patient homes, especially those with another dog who can help them learn what it means to be part of a family.”

The dogs were discovered by tourists hiking the area last week. It is unclear how these animals ended up in the remote section of Emery County.

Volunteers successfully trapped seven dogs over the weekend, and the additional animals were reportedly brought in on Monday. Foster homes have been found for four of the dogs thus far, and the shelter is taking in five, with hopes of taking in four more.

Best Friends Animal Shelter is searching for foster homes for the remaining dogs. Those willing are encouraged to email the organization at utahfoster@bestfriends.org.