A couple whose menagerie of nearly 200 chickens, dogs, peacocks, a cat, and other pets was seized by police are facing animal cruelty charges in Arizona.

One dog – their pet German Shepherd, Hank – was so riddled with maggots and infections from an untreated wound that he had to be put down, say officers.

Officers raided the home in Tucson on 23rd August after a tip-off from a vet who had been asked to treat Hank but was so appalled by his condition they called police.

Owners Trista Tramposch and Anthony Nunez – both 53 – are facing animal abuse charges.

Pima County sheriffs seized 128 chickens, 177 incubated eggs, three chicks, three peacocks, one finch, three dogs, and three geese.

According to a police affidavit, there was “little to no food” in the home.

According to the police report, Hank had valley fever, a wound infested with maggots, liver and kidney infections, and an infection on his back left foot.

Valley fever is widespread in Arizona and is an infection caused by the fungus Coccidioides.

Hank also had mouth sores, other open wounds, and his blood count was half of what it should have been.

Police also found three dead chickens.

Tramposch and Nunez later protested their innocence to local media.

Tramposch said: “Over 200 beautifully cared-for happy animals had just finished their breakfast and were playing in the courtyard when these sheriffs came and impounded them all.”

Nunez added: “Everything they said was a lie. I mean, from start to finish, we are not abusive people.

“We did the responsible thing by sending (Hank) to the vet, and the vet turned around and didn’t give us a decision to pay the bill because he still would be alive till this day”.

The suspects are seeking an emergency hearing in a bid to get the animals back.