A Chandler woman who ran a special needs animal shelter is facing criminal charges after 55 dogs were seized from her home and she was arrested in late September. Now, she’s set to have her day in court.
April McLaughlin will appear before a judge on Wednesday, Oct. 11. She faces over one hundred charges, including animal abuse, animal cruelty and vulnerable adult abuse.
Attorney John Schill represents some of the shelters that placed dogs with McLaughlin. He said they’re pressing fraud charges, too.
“She’s defrauded my clients in saying that she was going to take care of these animals,” Schill said. “‘Please send them to me. Send me money. Send me donations.’ And the animals were clearly not taken care of.”
McLaughlin says she wants the dogs back. Schill said the chances of the dogs being returned to her are slim.