The Lake Havasu City Police Department’s Animal Control Unit responded to multiple reports of Chihuahuas being left at residential and commercial locations around Lake Havasu City during the early morning hours between September 11 and September 13, 2017. A total of 15 Chihuahuas were left in boxes at seven different locations during that timeframe. Notes were left with the animals indicating that the dogs could no longer be properly cared for. The dogs were eventually turned over to the Western Arizona Humane Society. There were no leads as to who was responsible for abandoning the dogs, but due to similarities regarding how the dogs were left, all of the incidents were believed to be related.
On April 30, in the early morning hours, eight Chihuahuas were abandoned at the Western Arizona Humane Society. Again on May 1, eight additional Chihuahuas were left at the same location while the Humane Society was closed. The approximate age of the dogs was from three months to ten years old and the dogs were in varying degrees of health.
The Lake Havasu City Police Department Animal Control Unit conducted an investigation and, with assistance from the community, identified three subjects. The subjects lived together in the 2500 block of Anita Drive until approximately the end of April 2018.
As a result of the investigation, 40-year-old Nathan M. Pulliam and 43-year-old Christina M. McMillan, both Lake Havasu City residents, were arrested on May 13. Pulliam and McMillan were each charged with 31 counts of animal cruelty, dating back to the September 2017 incidents, as well as the most recent cases. Pulliam and McMillan were also each charged with an unrelated misdemeanor warrant for their arrest.
Chrissy M. McMillan, a 22-year-old Lake Havasu City resident was also arrested and charged with 16 counts of animal cruelty related to the most recent incidents where the dogs were left abandoned at the Humane Society.
A person commits cruelty to animals if the person intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly subjects any animal under the person’s custody or control to cruel neglect or abandonment. Animal cruelty is a class 1 misdemeanor.
During initial appearances, Nathan M. Pulliam was held on a $4250 cash only bond, Christina M. McMillan was held on a $4362 cash only bond and Chrissy M. McMillan was held on a $300 cash only bond. The three subjects were transferred to the custody of the Mohave County Sheriff’s Office.
Due to the number of Chihuahuas being abandoned, the Western Arizona Humane Society is holding a special adoption event this weekend at PetSmart, located at the Shops in Lake Havasu, 5601 Highway 95 in Lake Havasu City. The event is on Friday, May 18, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., Saturday, May 19, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and Sunday, May 20, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Public Information Officer: Sergeant Tom Gray (928) 855-1171
Booking photo of: Nathan M. Pulliam, Christina M. McMillan and Chrissy M. McMillan.