April McLaughlin's actions horrified a community, now the authorities are biting back

McLaughlin ran what authorities described as a “house of horrors".

PUBLISHED OCT 1, 2024

McLaughlin had posed as a dog rescuer, soliciting donations under the guise of saving animals.

Chandler, Arizona: It was a case of gross animal cruelty that shocked Arizona and the rest of the country. Now, a year after the horror was exposed, the perpetrator, April McLaughlin, has been hit with a slew of charges. McLaughlin, who ran what authorities described as a “house of horrors", is now facing multiple charges connected to her alleged abuse of nearly five dozen dogs.

The disturbing case first emerged last year when neighbors complained about the unbearable stench, swarms of flies, and the horrific conditions of the dogs kept in McLaughlin's home. Many of the animals were found dead, while others were rescued in dire conditions. McLaughlin had posed as a dog rescuer, soliciting donations under the guise of saving animals, but authorities say she was running a fraudulent scheme.

According to investigators, McLaughlin fraudulently collected over $160,000 in donations, claiming it was to support her dog rescue efforts. However, the money was allegedly used for personal expenses, including over $20,000 in credit card charges. In total, she is accused of stealing $50,000 from her donors.

Chandler residents are still shaken: “Every time the wind blows, we still get the smell,” one neighbor told ABC15.

Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell said the investigation into McLaughlin’s activities involved a deep dive into both the animal abuse and financial fraud. Authorities waited to file certain charges to give police additional time to gather the evidence needed to secure the case.

The new charges, apart from earlier ones relating to animal cruelty are: One count of Fraudulent Schemes and Artifices, a Class Two Felony; Two counts of Theft, a Class Two Felony; One count of Aggravated Taking the Identity of Another, a Class Three Felony; One count of Fraudulent Schemes and Practices, Willful Concealment, a Class Five Felony; One count of Theft from a Vulnerable Adult, a Class Two Felony; One count of Theft (Unlawful Use of a Power of Attorney), a Class Two Felony; One count of Theft of Credit Card or Obtaining a Credit Card by Fraudulent Means, a Class Five Felony.