ABC15 Arizona reporter Jane Caffrey interviewed G&K attorney Josh Fisher for their news coverage of a recent felony animal cruelty case. Josh provided legal insight on animal cruelty laws in Arizona, including how cases are classified as misdemeanors versus felonies and how sentencing can vary based on factors such as severity, prior convictions, mental illness, and drug use.
This heartbreaking case centers on the alleged torture and deaths of multiple dogs in the care of Brook Scalero, a Mesa woman arrested after a disturbing investigation uncovered multiple cases of suspected animal cruelty. Authorities received a journal, reportedly belonging to Scalero, that described the abuse of at least 10 dogs, including three confirmed victims: Pepe, Griffin, and Gus.
The investigation was prompted by concerns from animal rescue organizations over Scalero’s suspicious actions, such as adopting and fostering dogs but failing to pay adoption fees or return them. Police later identified her connection to Pepe, whose body was found abandoned, and Griffin, who showed evidence of severe abuse before his death. Additionally, a journal discovered by Scalero’s former roommate detailed the death of Gus, the roommate’s dog.
When questioned by police, Scalero admitted to her actions but initially claimed the journal was fictional. The case has drawn widespread condemnation from animal welfare advocates, inspiring initiatives like "Pepe’s Paws Fur a Purpose," a foundation dedicated to rehabilitating abused dogs in memory of Pepe.
Scalero faces several charges, including animal cruelty and theft.
About Josh Fisher
Josh Fisher has tried over two hundred cases before juries in state, federal, and military court, including animal cruelty, DUI and vehicular crimes, fraud, homicide and second-degree murder, theft, white collar crimes, sex crimes, and various other criminal defense matters.
Before joining G&K as a criminal defense attorney, Josh worked as a government prosecutor for 15 years for the Yavapai County Attorney’s Office and the City of Phoenix, where he also earned a one-year assignment as a Special Assistant United States Attorney.
After law school, Josh served in the United States Army Reserve Judge Advocate General’s Corps for 10 years, stationed in Korea and based out of Texas as a reservist.