CHANDLER, Ariz. — The Chandler woman accused of neglecting and mistreating dozens of dogs was arrested again this week after prosecutors obtained additional evidence that resulted in the issuance of a felony warrant against the suspect.
April McLaughlin, also known as Sydney McKinley, is facing up to 24 counts of animal neglect and mistreatment — at least eight of the charges are listed as felony offenses, court records show.
McLaughlin, 48, was taken into custody Tuesday after a warrant had been issued for her arrest.
Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell said Wednesday that prosecutors will be moving forward with felony charges against McLaughlin after investigators obtain additional evidence on the injuries that were allegedly sustained by the many dogs found living in the suspect's Chandler residence.
Over 50 dogs were seized from McLaughlin's home last September after officers allegedly found the animals living in terrible conditions. Some of the seized dogs later had to be euthanized because of poor health.
Chandler's investigators also reported finding some dead dogs inside the kitchen freezer of the suspect's home.
McLaughlin had been running a special-needs animal rescue called the Special Needs Animal Welfare League out of her home.
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