Breaking News: Chandler Alleged Cruelty Case Update

Today, we are delighted to share that after weeks of dedicated care at AHS, we have joyfully reunited 38 dogs with their original owners and rescues and more reunites are scheduled for the coming days. You can watch a number of these reunions firsthand in the heartwarming video below.

Update: October 12, 2023

We couldn’t end the day without sharing this joyous reunion of Butters and Checo, two of the 34 dogs who were released to our care today after being seized from a Chandler residence on September 22. We are relieved and thrilled these two will be continuing their recovery in loving, caring homes and are actively working with other rescues to reunite the remaining dogs. Watch highlights. View photos.

Update: October 11, 2023

The Arizona Humane Society (AHS) is beyond thrilled to be one step closer to reuniting the remaining 47 dogs seized from a Chandler residence on September 22 to their former owners or rescue groups.

At the beginning of today’s hearing to decide whether the dogs would be released to April McLaughlin, the petitioner informed the judge she was no longer requesting 47 dogs and instead petitioning for 13 dogs. The prosecutor asked the court to issue an abandonment order for 34 dogs. As soon as AHS receives the order, our team will begin the process of reuniting the 34 dogs released to our care with their former owners or rescue groups.

Regarding the remaining 13 dogs, the judge ruled that the dogs will not be released back to McLaughlin. The judge directed that AHS hold the dogs for 14 days so the respondent may exercise her appellate rights. We are cautiously optimistic that, in the end, full legal custody of the remaining dogs will be transferred to AHS.

AHS is a safety net for the Valley’s most vulnerable pets, the ones who are sick, injured and abused. While our team sees hundreds of cases a year, this has been an emotionally charged, heart-wrenching case with many moving parts. It motivated the rescue and animal welfare communities to act and, subsequently, challenged us all to wait as the legal process has unfolded. Our goal from the beginning was to provide these pets with a safe and loving environment until they could be reunited with their former owners and rescue groups and we are relieved to be one step closer in reaching that goal.

Update: October 4, 2023

As we confirmed late Monday night, April McLaughlin has requested a hearing in response to the 55 dogs seized from her residence on September 22. In her petition, McLaughlin requested the return of 47 dogs. While we cannot speculate on her reasoning, we can tell you that the Arizona Humane Society was awarded custody of 13 dogs Tuesday. Five of those were the dogs found in a freezer at McLaughlin’s residence on September 22. Out of the remaining eight, one was humanely euthanized. Our team has begun the process of reuniting the remaining seven dogs that were released to our care with their former owners or rescue groups.

A court hearing is scheduled for October 11. If the owner is found to have subjected the dogs to cruel mistreatment, cruel neglect or abandonment in violation of the Arizona Animal Cruelty Law, the court may terminate the owner’s rights to the dogs. Until then, the dogs must remain under the care of the Arizona Humane Society and no additional information will be provided as this is an open investigation. The legal process can cause frustration, and we too empathize with others in the community, especially in this heartbreaking case. We all desire justice to be served.

The remainder of the dogs will remain with the Arizona Humane Society. The dogs interact with various members of our team throughout the day including:

1. Veterinarians and Veterinary Technicians in charge of monitoring the dogs’ health and physical needs. Some examples of the treatments these dogs are receiving include laser therapy to treat wounds as well as regular pain medication and bandage changes.
2. Our specially trained Animal Care & Experience team and volunteers keep the kennels clean, provide nutritious food and water and have also been fitting donated wheelchairs for dogs requiring assistance. This team also ensures each dog receives one-on-one out of kennel time and receives additional enrichment to care for the dog’s mental and emotional needs. These activities focus on the dog’s senses of sight, smell, touch, sound and taste and include colored lights, toys sprayed with herbal scents and natural sounds of birds chirping.
3. Our Behavior team, which has countless hours of experience working with dogs coming from hoarding situations, is helping the dogs learn to trust again. They are progressing in a safe, caring environment, and the team is starting to receive tail wags in return.
4. In addition, AHS received a donation of handmade beds from a volunteer, keeping the dogs comfortable while they rest. All dogs received baths from our team of professional groomers.

While AHS’ primary focus remains on the care of these dogs, the City of Chandler has launched a webpage to address many of the questions the public has regarding this high-profile case. We encourage media, community members and rescue groups to utilize this resource.

Update: September 28, 2023

We thank everyone for their continued concern about the animals who were seized on September 22.  The Arizona Humane Society is continuing to care for the dogs seized.  The AHS team, including veterinarians, veterinary technicians, animal care, behavior and enrichment specialists, are providing medical and other care around the clock.  Both our trauma hospital veterinarians and AHS Animal Cruelty Investigators are providing medical records and evidence to the Chandler Police Department.  This is a critical element in helping us reach our ultimate goal of being awarded custody and returning dogs to rescue groups and individuals who shed light on the situation, contacted authorities, offered support and care for these dogs very deeply.

We continue to follow direction from Chandler PD to not release additional details about the dogs in our care.  AHS is not law enforcement.  We operate within the law and must adhere to the 10-day mandatory hold of these animals while allowing the legal process to unfold.

Like our animal welfare partner organizations, animal rescues and all those who use our voice for animals, we are frustrated by the lack of oversight and laws that aren’t strong enough to protect animals from neglect and abuse in Arizona.  Our objectives are to care for and heal these dogs, to work within the law to seek justice for them and to push for the change needed to protect more animals from abuse and neglect.  We are grateful for our donors, supporters and advocates who make this possible.

Update: September 27, 2023

We are sad to report that in addition to five dogs found in a freezer at April Mclaughlin’s residence, five dogs from the group of 55 seized had to be humanely put to sleep due to extreme suffering.

While sharing this information during an active investigation is not standard process, an exception was made to attempt to provide some information to rescue groups who had placed animals with Mclaughlin. Our desire is to not interfere with the legal process to ensure justice is served.

We will continue to work with the Chandler Police Department and the Maricopa County Attorney General’s office on this case. The dogs seized from this residence are currently on a minimum 10-day mandatory hold until a judge decides their status. If AHS is awarded custody in this case, and a microchip is present, we will work with the last known owners to attempt placement should there be a desire. Also at that time, we would contact the last known owner and provide ashes of those that were humanely put to sleep. We remain cautious, but hopeful, while establishing individual prognosis and working toward outcomes for the rest of the dogs involved in this case.

Update: September 24, 2023

Thank you for the tremendous outpouring of concern and support for these dogs. This is truly a heartbreaking situation. We know many people, understandably, want an update on specific dogs. Unfortunately, since this is an ongoing legal case we cannot release details and thereby risk jeopardizing the case.

All dogs are now in protective custody for a 10 day mandatory hold until a judge makes a decision on their status. We, along with the thousands of people who have contacted us, want justice served for these dogs.

Our priority is to provide medical care around the clock including ensuring these pets are not suffering. We are preparing for a hearing by methodically compiling evidence to aid in prosecution. If the City of Chandler and Arizona Humane Society are awarded custody of the animals by the court, we will contact the former entity/person identified by microchip and facilitate return.

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Posted September 23, 2023

On Friday, September 22, the Arizona Humane Society assisted the Chandler Police Department with seizing more than 50 special needs pets, many of whom needed immediate medical attention. Earlier that day, Chandler PD received new information that prompted a search warrant involving an alleged animal abuse case that began two weeks ago. This warrant could not have come soon enough for these at-risk animals who are now being directly transported to our trauma hospital where our veterinary team will provide much needed medical care.

Our focus right now is providing immediate medical treatment and ensuring their welfare and safety.

We are holding an adoption special this weekend to open up much needed kennel space to accommodate these special needs pets. All dogs and puppies have $0 adoption fees. Learn more at azhumane.org/adopt.