April McLaughlin, Sept. 22.Photo:Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office
Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office
An Arizona woman who ran an animal rescue home was arrested and charged with animal abuse and neglect after 55 dogs who had allegedly been poorly cared for were found in her home, including five dead puppies in a freezer, authorities say.
The Chandler Police Department said officers arrested April McLaughlin, 48, on 55 counts of animal abuse and 55 counts of cruelty to animals after they conducted a search warrant at her home on Sept. 23 to check on the welfare of the dogs living there, according to a statement on theirFacebook page.
Police entered the home with members of theArizona Humane Societywho removed and took custody of the dogs, who needed medical attention, according to the policestatement.
The Associated Press, citing police, reported that most of the 55 dogs removed from the home were elderly and had special needs, and that the animals had gone without water. Many will likely need to be euthanized, police said.
When officers arrived at residence they encountered a bad smell and requested a hazardous materials team,AZ Familyreported.
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According to the documents, McLaughlin allegedly told police at the scene that she didn’t see anything wrong with storing food next to the dead animals.
According to the AP, a judge set McLaughlin’s cash-only bail at $2,500 at her initial court appearance Saturday. The AP reports a public defender would represent McLaughlin, but PEOPLE’s call to the Maricopa Office of the Public Defender was not immediately returned.
It’s not immediately clear if McLaughlin has entered pleas to the charges she faces.
source: people.com
