Chandler woman sentenced in dog abuse case

PHOENIX — An East Valley woman accused of neglecting and mistreating several dogs was sentenced Thursday morning.

April McLaughlin was sentenced to 3.5 years in prison, with two additional years running concurrently, in connection with the fraud and animal abuse case.

The judge additionally banned the defendant from having an animal for up to seven years after she’s released.

In 2023, Chandler police reported seizing more than 50 dogs from McLaughlin’s home. She had been running an animal rescue out of her residence. 

Police said the dogs were found living in terrible conditions and some had to be euthanized due to their poor health. Chandler police additionally reported finding some dead dogs inside the kitchen freezer of the defendant’s home.

This is a developing story. We will update as more information becomes available.

RELATED: Chandler woman pleads guilty in fraud, animal abuse cases after police seize over 50 dogs

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