On September 20, the Chandler Police Department advised the public that it was aware of a social media post alleging a case of animal abuse occurring in the city. On September 22, the Department announced it had made an arrest in the case.
According to the Department, it had received new information from a veterinary professional regarding the case at a residence in the 1700 block of E. Kessler Ln. After serving a search warrant on the residence, to check on the welfare of the animals living in the home, the Arizona Humane Society removed and took into custody 55 dogs for medical attention and care.
The homeowner has been identified as April McLaughlin. She was arrested and is being charged with 55 counts of animal neglect, a class one misdemeanor, 55 counts of cruelty to animals – failure to provide medical care, a class one misdemeanor and one count of vulnerable adult abuse, a class two felony.