Categories: PETS

Appeal from April McLaughlin to keep 13 dogs in Chandler abuse case fails

CHANDLER, AZ (3TV/CBS 5) — The woman accused of abusing dozens of dogs in Chandler won’t be getting the 13 dogs she wanted back in the case, the city said on Thursday.

The city court denied April McLaughlin’s request to extend the timeframe of when she could file documents on why she should be allowed to hold onto the dogs. McLaughlin, also known as Sydney Taylor McKinley, faced a Tuesday deadline. Since she failed to meet that, her appeal to keep the 13 dogs was dismissed.

In September 2023, dozens of dogs were seized from McLaughlin’s homes and in October, she filed to get 13 of the dogs back. However, a judge rejected that appeal on Oct. 11. Because McLaughlin’s appeal was dismissed, the Arizona Humane Society can start putting those dogs back with former owners, with other trusted rescues or adopt them out.

The investigation into McLaughlin and allegations of dog abuse started in the fall. On Sept. 22, 55 dogs were taken from her home near Pecos and Cooper roads and five of them had to be put down. The Arizona Humane Society took care of the other 50.

McLaughlin was initially booked on 110 charges related to animal abuse and neglect, but the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office sent the case back to Chandler police. Officers rearrested her on Nov. 14, and she was booked into jail on 77 misdemeanor charges that were submitted to city prosecutors for review.

The Arizona Humane Society responded to the ruling on Thursday, saying most of the 13 dogs are in foster care and many of the former rescue groups are outside Arizona. They plan to do some reunions next week.

Earlier today, the Arizona Humane Society (AHS) was informed by the City of Chandler that Sydney McKinley’s appeal has been dismissed and the court judgment terminating her owner’s rights to the remaining 13 dogs that were seized from her residence on September 22 will stand. AHS has received full legal custody of the dogs and will begin the process of contacting former owners and/or rescue groups to schedule reunion appointments.

It is important to note that as AHS awaited a decision from the courts, many of the 13 dogs were placed with long-time AHS fosters so they could continue their healing journeys in a safe and loving home environment. Because of this and due to the fact that many of the former rescue groups are out of state, we expect reunites to begin early next week. Our team is anxious to reunite these pets so that they can get their second chance at a fresh start.

While today’s news comes as a relief to AHS and many others in the animal welfare community, it is another reminder that the dogs were the real victims in this case. AHS remains steadfast in our mission to advocate for the voiceless and remains hopeful that justice will be served, and Sydney McKinley will be punished to the fullest extent of the law. We continue to urge our communities to join AHS in championing for stronger state laws and local ordinances to protect more animals from neglect and abuse in the future. Until every pet in the Valley is in a safe home, our work will continue.

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Doggone Well Staff