55 Undernourished Dogs Rescued from Alleged Abuse in Chandler, Arizona
Chandler, Arizona – In a shocking case of animal abuse, a total of 55 undernourished and neglected dogs, including special needs rescue pups, were rescued from squalid conditions in Chandler, Arizona. April McLaughlin, the caretaker of these dogs, now faces 110 counts of animal abuse and cruelty.
The rescue operation was conducted by police officers who had to don hazmat suits due to the overwhelming stench emanating from the home. The conditions inside were found to be so disturbing that officers discovered the bodies of five deceased dogs stored in McLaughlin’s freezer. Shockingly, the freezer also contained frozen microwave meals, adding to the appalling living conditions these dogs were subjected to.
The raid was initiated after a tip from a veterinarian on September 8, who expressed concerns about the welfare of three dogs at the residence. The Chandler police, accompanied by the Arizona Humane Society, took swift action to rescue these animals from their dire situation.
The rescue in question, known as the Special Needs Animal Welfare League, had previously faced accusations of being a scam. Reports suggest that other rescuers had requested an investigation into the facility after suspecting foul play. One Texas rescue organization raised concerns about a dog named Butters, who was sent to the Chandler rescue but appeared thin in photographs.
Officers had previously visited the residence, which had been used as an animal rescue facility, but found that the dogs themselves were in desperate need of rescue. The conditions inside were so hazardous that officers required the assistance of a hazardous materials team due to the noxious fumes.
By Saturday morning, a total of 55 dogs had been safely removed from McLaughlin’s home. Following her arrest, she now faces 55 counts of animal abuse and cruelty, in addition to one count of vulnerable adult abuse, as her elderly 83-year-old mother also resided in the same home.
McLaughlin appeared in court on Saturday, where state prosecutors described the deplorable living conditions the dogs were found in, including filth, lack of water, and confinement in their own feces. The air quality in the home was so poor that firefighters had to wear specialized breathing equipment. Authorities have determined that the home will have to be demolished due to its unfit conditions.
Despite previous tips about the residence, it was the search on Friday night that marked the first time officers were able to enter the address with a valid search warrant. The dogs rescued from this ordeal were largely mixed breeds and special needs dogs.
McLaughlin admitted to storing deceased dogs alongside food in the freezer, claiming she did not believe it was wrong to do so. Currently in custody at Maricopa County Jail, she faces a total of 110 misdemeanor charges, including animal abuse, cruelty, and neglect.
This rescue operation serves as a reminder of the importance of reporting suspected animal abuse and cruelty. The swift action taken by the Chandler police and the Arizona Humane Society has undoubtedly saved these innocent lives from further suffering.