PHOENIX – The woman at the center of a high-profile Chandler dog hoarding case has been indicted on fraud charges related to her rescue organization, authorities announced Monday.
April McLaughlin, who also goes by Sydney McKinley, already faces dozens of animal neglect and abuse charges after 55 dogs were seized from her home near Cooper and Pecos roads in September 2023.
McLaughlin was taking care of many of the animals as part of her rescue organization for dogs with disabilities, the Special Needs Animal Welfare League (SNAWL).
Some of the dogs were in such poor condition that they had to be euthanized. The Arizona Humane Society rehomed the surviving dogs with former owners, rescue partners or by adoption.
In the wake of the high-profile case, Chandler lawmakers updated the city’s animal cruelty laws.
How Chandler dog hoarding case led to fraud charges
McLaughlin now faces multiple fraud charges for allegedly using SNAWL to solicit more than $47,000 in cash and supplies under false pretenses, according to the Chandler Police Department.
She is accused of deceiving dog owners and rescue groups by misrepresenting her ability to provide veterinary services, therapy and foster homes for the animals she was supposed to be helping.
She also allegedly stole more than $160,000 from her elderly mother’s bank account and charged more than $20,000 to her mother’s credit card and used the funds on personal expenses, including flights and dining, police said.
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