This alert is no longer active, but here for reference. Animals still need your help.

An Arizona woman running an alleged rescue for senior and special needs dogs has been arrested and charged with 110 counts of animal cruelty after 55 dogs were found in her home in horrifying conditions. Urge the county prosecutor to seek maximum penalties in this case!

In September, rescuers who had sent dogs to April McLaughlin, who was running the Special Needs Animal Welfare League out of her home in Chandler, raised concerns about what was happening at the property. Multiple calls from concerned residents, evidence gathered by the Arizona Humane Society (AHS), and information from a veterinarian led to the Chandler Police Department serving a search warrant on September 22. What they encountered was nothing short of a nightmare.

Senior and disabled dogs were found in appalling conditions, suffering from thirst and sores as their limbs dragged through filth and trash. The stench of suffering was so overpowering that the fire department had to assist, fully protected against the noxious environment with hazmat suits and breathing equipment.

Dogs were stacked in cages. Tragically, out of the 55 dogs seized, five were beyond any hope of veterinary intervention. The bodies of five dead puppies were also discovered in her freezer.

McLaughlin, who has used multiple aliases over the years, now faces 55 counts of animal abuse, 55 counts of animal cruelty, and one count of vulnerable adult abuse because her elderly mother was living at the property. The Maricopa County Attorney's office has sent the case back to the Chandler Police Department for further investigation.

At a hearing in early October, McLaughlin had the audacity to request that 47 dogs be returned to her, and although she later changed her request to 13 of the dogs, a judge denied the request. The dogs are now in the custody of AHS, which is providing them care, and working to reunite them with guardians and rescues.

This alert is no longer active, but here for reference. Animals still need your help.