CHANDLER, Ariz. — The owner of dogs rescued in Chandler from conditions described by the Arizona Humane Society as "deplorable" has filed another appeal to get some of the dogs back, according to officials.
The City of Chandler said April McLaughlin filed an appeal for the return of 13 dogs seized by Chandler police.
Around 50 dogs were seized from McLaughlin at the end of September after the animals were found to be living in horrific conditions, court documents said.
MORE DETAILS: 'The worst I have ever seen': Arizona Humane Society will fight owner's appeal to get dogs back after 55 were seized from home
McLaughlin ran a rescue for special needs dogs out of her Chandler home.
McLaughlin's appeal filed on Oct. 25 follows an Oct. 11 ruling from a Chandler Municipal Court judge that denied her request to get the dogs back.
MORE DETAILS: Chandler judge denies April McLaughlin’s request to get back 13 dogs seized during abuse investigation
McLaughlin initially petitioned to get back all of the dogs seized by police but later narrowed down her request to only 13 dogs that she said had been under her care for many years.
Those 13 dogs are the subject of the newest appeal, the others are considered to be "abandoned by the petitioner," the City said.
The appeal calls for the Maricopa County Superior Court to review the previous judge's ruling.
The appeal will not result in a retrial of the facts and McLaughlin will not be allowed to present new evidence or testimony in the appeal, the City said.
Court records described horrific conditions inside McLaughlin's home at the time the dogs were seized. Those conditions included dogs found to be without food and water. Multiple dogs in need of medical care. Dogs kept in kennels filled with feces.
MORE DETAILS: Chandler PD seeking more info on animal abuse case after county attorney asks for more evidence
The rescued dogs have been in the care of the Arizona Humane Society since they were seized from McLaughlin.
At least five of the dogs were found to be in such bad condition that they had to be euthanized, according to the humane society.
Five dead puppies were found in McLaughlin's freezer during a search of the residence, according to court documents.
The humane society has been working to return the rescued dogs to their rightful owners.
The Arizona Humane Society issued the following statement concerning McLaughlin's latest appeal.
"The Arizona Humane Society (AHS) is deeply saddened to learn that April McLaughlin has requested an appeal hearing regarding the October 11 decision that terminated her rights to owning 13 dogs seized from her residence on September 22. The judge overseeing McLaughlin’s seizure hearing on October 11 instructed AHS to hold the 13 dogs so that the petitioner could exercise her appellate rights. AHS will continue to hold these pets until instructed by the City of Chandler on next steps.
For over a month, AHS has been caring for the dogs seized from McLaughin’s residence. The dogs have required medical attention for wounds, special assistance for mobility issues, and extra love and care as they recover from deplorable living conditions. The AHS team already reunited 40 dogs with former owners and/or rescue groups. The reunions are emotional for everyone involved, including our staff. AHS wants nothing more than to reunite the remaining dogs with former owners and rescue groups so they can continue their healing journeys and have their second chance at a fresh start.
While we continue to wait for the legal process to unfold, it is the dogs that are truly the victims in this case. They deserve better and it is a shame they continue to be wrapped up in the legal system as we all wait for an outcome. AHS remains steadfast in our commitment to caring for them until each is reunited. We urge our communities to use their voice for the voiceless and advocate for stronger state laws and local ordinances to protect more animals from neglect and abuse. Until every pet in the Valley is in a safe home, our work will continue."
McLaughlin's mother was also found to be living in her Chandler home. The woman told investigators she has slept on the cough for the past three years because the bedrooms of the home were used to house dogs. McLaughlin was facing one count of vulnerable adult abuse in connection.
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