April McLaughlin, arrested for animal abuse in Chandler, is seeking to regain custody of some of the 63 dogs involved in the case, amidst ongoing legal and recovery efforts. Two of the dogs, Hopper and Jackson, will be returned to their original rescue in California, while another, Kiska, will stay with a family friend in Alaska. The Arizona Humane Society, which has custody of 13 dogs, revealed that 55 dogs were seized on September 22, five were found dead, and McLaughlin surrendered three more. Five dogs have been euthanized due to severe health issues.
Image/Story Source Credit: AZ Family / Arizona News via YouTube Video
McLaughlin, who has submitted paperwork to retrieve 47 dogs, will face a hearing on October 11, where she must demonstrate no mistreatment of the animals to regain custody. If she fails, the dogs will not be put up for adoption but will be matched to their original owners or rescues, where possible, through microchips and documentation provided by rescues.
Image/Story Source Credit: AZ Family / Arizona News via YouTube Video
Despite 110 animal abuse and misdemeanor charges against McLaughlin being dropped, animal rescuers are eager to understand the direction of the criminal investigation. The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office has requested more evidence from Chandler detectives and provided guidance on elevating the charges. If no felony charges are applied, the case will be handed to city prosecutors. McLaughlin’s upcoming hearing pertains to the custody of the dogs in civil court, not criminal court.
Image/Story Source Credit: AZ Family / Arizona News via YouTube Video
The Arizona Humane Society, ensuring the dogs’ physical and emotional needs are met through various specialized teams, has issued a statement explaining that if McLaughlin is found in violation of the Arizona Animal Cruelty Law, her rights to the dogs may be terminated. Until the hearing, the dogs will remain in their care, receiving treatments like laser therapy, pain medication, and even donated wheelchairs and handmade beds for their comfort and recovery. The city of Chandler has initiated a webpage to address concerns and queries regarding this high-profile
case.
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Be sure to watch the heartwarming moment below!
HEARTWARMING MOMENT
Kiska is the very first dog to be returned home. She was in April McLaughlin’s care. Police seized 55 dogs from her home on Sep 22. Some so sick, they had to be put down. A lot has unfolded since then. Read more here: https://t.co/JEXrTzfDrq@azfamily pic.twitter.com/6QKlZWVspo
— Holly Bock (@HollyBockTV) October 4, 2023
The post ‘Heart-Wrenching’ Return For Trio of Dogs Head Back to Rescues After Massive Chandler Seizure appeared first on iHeartDogs.com.
via Whisker Therapy