Charges Dropped Against Arizona Animal Abuse Suspect
Phoenix area animal abuse investigation shocks residents heres what to know about the case so far. A crisis regarding the care of several animals at a Chandler residence in recent days has drawn a lot of attention on social media.
Sep 28, 202332750 Shares436667 Views
A crisis regarding the care of several animals at a Chandler residence in recent days has drawn a lot of attention on social media.
The residence, which is between Cooper Road and Pecos Road, was visited by Chandler Police on September 22. There, several animals were eventually discovered inside. In relation to what transpired, a suspect has also been named.
Some of the dogs discovered had to be put to death, according to a statement released on September 26 by Arizona Humane Society representatives.
"These pets were in excruciating pain. A piece of the statement said, "If a microchip is present, we will get in touch with the last identified rescue organization to return the ashes.
Charges in connection with the incident, however, were unexpectedly dropped, according to representatives of the Maricopa County Attorney's Office, as the matter has been returned to Chandler Police for more study.
Who's The Suspect?
Officials with the Chandler Police Department have identified the suspect as April McLaughlin. She was named as the proprietor of the Special Needs Animal Welfare League (SNAWL) in court filings.
The suspect, however, has been known to go under several aliases. Prior to the incidents on September 22, FOX 10 Investigator Justin Lum talked with the owner of SNAWL, who described herself as "Sydney McKinley." Additionally, we have discovered through various individuals that the proprietor of SNAWL used a variety of identities.
Years before the charges of animal mistreatment that ultimately resulted in her incarceration, McLaughlin had already made an appearance on FOX 10. She spoke about the nonprofit rescue she was launching on FOX 10 in 2019.
"I rescue special needs dogs because it's my passion, and I want to help as many dogs as I can," said McLaughlin. She identified herself as "April Addison" in that news article.
What Led To The Suspect's Arrest?
Investigators with the Chandler Police Department claim that many rescue organizations and people delivered special needs dogs to SNAWL. However, reports about alleged animal mistreatment at McLaughlin's house have increased after August 8, 2023.
There are claims that she had more than 30 pets at home.
A part of the court filings said that "Private investigators took photos of various dogs in poor health and in hoard-like conditions,"
Additionally, authorities said that since McLaughlin did not offer updates on the dogs, people started to worry about their wellbeing.
Various animal welfare organizations reportedly tried in vain to get some of the canines back, according to court filings. Officials from the Arizona Humane Society (AHS) made an effort to check on the animals on September 9.
According to a part of the court records, "Upon arrival, AHS noticed an odor of urine and feces near the front door, and noticed a large cluster of flies near the front door," "AHS was able to see into the backyard, and observed disabled and fully mobile dogs."
Various canines with varying degrees of physical deterioration or maltreatment were described in court filings.
In accordance with court records, AHS representatives paid McLaughlin another house visit on September 12 and September 19. During the visit on September 19, McLaughlin reportedly refused to let AHS representatives inspect her house to see how the dogs inside were doing, but she did agree to give up the two canines there at the time.
As previously stated, on September 22, Chandler Police went to McLaughlin's residence to execute a search warrant. According to court records, authorities discovered 55 dogs inside the house that needed emergency medical care.
Investigators quoted a veterinarian who said that several of the canines recovered were in such bad condition that they should be readied for eventual death. At the house, five dog corpses were also discovered.
In addition, according to court records, an industrial hygienist determined that the air quality inside was so bad that firefighters had to put on self-contained breathing equipment in order to enter the house.
Investigators determined that the residence was also condemned because of the air quality and overall state of the property. However, it was indicated in a different statement made by Chandler city authorities on September 27 that a legal procedure must be followed before a structure may be condemned.
A section of the statement said, "The occupant of the residence is legally allowed to return to the home. The fencing, which was temporarily erected Friday night to help secure the property, has been removed,"
What Was The Suspect Accused Of?
According to court records, McLaughlin was charged with the following:
- 55 charges of animal cruelty via neglect and abandonment, a Class 1 Misdemeanor under Arkansas law (A.R.S. 13-2910A1).
- 55 charges of Animal Cruelty by Failing to Provide Medical Treatment, a Class 1 Misdemeanor under Arizona law (A.R.S. 13-2910A2).
- 1 count of Vulnerable Adult Abuse with Intent, a Class 2 Felony under A.R.S. 13-3623A1.
However, as previously indicated, representatives of the Maricopa County Attorney's Office have declared that McLaughlin's case has been returned to Chandler Police for more investigation. She was no longer facing charges, and on September 27 she was let out of custody after posting bail.
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