What is that? >> My eyes burn. >> Look at the odor better, right? >> Most calls officers respond to are over within the hour. But what happens when they step inside a home and realize that what's behind the front door is far worse than anything they've seen before. >> All these dogs and stuff is about We're worried about the medical, these living conditions. Some of them are sitting in poop. >> It's my puppy. >> Figured son of a gun. I had a feeling >> These were the moments when cops faced hoarders from hell. We begin with the case of a woman who ran what she called a dog rescue. But what officers found behind that title was something far different. >> Older people that can't take care of themselves. >> Yeah, but she can take care of herself. >> Well, that's what I'm here to find out. >> Oh. >> She's quiet. I mean, aside from the dogs barking over there. I can hear you better cuz the dogs are kind of barking. >> Oh, yeah. >> On June 30th, 2023, officers from Chandler, Arizona were called to investigate a report of a daughter mistreating her elderly mother. But what they were about to encounter at that address would end up being far more disturbing than they could have imagined. At this point, the homeowner, identified as April McLaughlin, arrived to speak with officers. But right at the very start, her responses hinted that the visit was about to reveal far more than a simple welfare check. >> Got a couple questions for you. >> Okay. What do you want me to do? You want me to stay in here? All right. What do you want me to do? >> You can step out if you want. You're not You're not in trouble. I'm just You live here, right? >> I do. >> Okay. >> What does that mean? >> So. >> So, it's like child care services only for an old lady? >> Yeah, it's for it's uh basically like uh they look out for older people that can't take care of themselves. >> Yeah. >> Type of thing. >> But she can take care of herself. She just >> Well, that's what I'm here to find out. >> Oh. >> Yeah. So. Somebody called in something that said that they wanted a welfare check on it, so that's what we're here for. So. >> There's a lot. Okay. A few things. >> Uh-huh. >> I have to I have a dog in the back that I had to put to sleep, so I have to take him in. >> It's fine. >> Um do you want to see her? Is that what you want? >> Just to see her and talk to her real quick. Okay. Okay. >> Is she of right mind and everything? Like can she take care of her? >> She has had dementia? >> Yeah. Can I go? It's >> How long's that been going on? >> Um probably like a year and a half. >> So. >> Um yeah, no, she has dementia. That's why she's here. We can't afford to put her in a home. You know what I mean? She can dress herself, eat herself, all that stuff. >> Okay. >> Yeah. So So can I can I put my dog away though? Okay. So he's a special needs dog. I have special needs dogs. >> Okay. >> All right. Well, then I have to get the dog. All right. So I'm going to back in. >> Yeah. >> I have to take my dog around the side. I get my dog. I have to carry him in. Give me >> Oh, no problem. >> I know it's hot. >> No, this isn't hot yet. It's not hot yet. >> Okay. Well, yeah, I know, but still it's still hot even though it's going to get hotter. >> While April stepped away, the officer took the opportunity to speak with someone else who might have known more about April's mother, identified as Kathleen McLaughlin, and what really went on inside that house. How you doing? >> Whatever you do. >> Good. Do you know the people that live here? Who who lives here? Is a woman and her and her mom? >> Yeah. >> How are they? >> She's quiet. I mean, aside from the dogs barking all the time. The dogs were for >> How long's this lady been with her mom here? >> I don't know. That I can't tell you. >> Like this car and all that? >> Yeah. That that's the way she parks and she >> I just talked to her. There's just a some accusations that she's not letting her she's taking over all her money and everything else, but I don't know if it's a dementia thing. >> Did she call them? >> No, yeah, APS did. >> APS. >> So somebody called APS. >> Got you. >> With a tip like this, so we're just checking to see. >> I'll be honest with you. She told me she's in there, I've never seen her. Okay. So, >> she's going to have me talk to her for a sec. >> If you need anything, I'm here. >> All right. Thanks, man. Appreciate it. >> You have a good one. >> With little to go on from the neighbor, the officer turned his attention back to the house. And this time, April wasn't coming out alone. You want to stand in the shade so you're not glaring in the heat here? >> Yeah. >> a shady spot? >> No shade right there. >> No shade right here? >> I'll come over in the front yard over here. >> Yeah, here's fine. Is that better for you? >> Yeah. >> And I can hear you better cuz the dogs are kind of barking. >> Oh, yeah. That's These have a lot of >> Oh, those are the thorny ones, huh? Yeah. So, um My name's Officer Tomaszewski with Chandler Police Department. I'm just here to make sure that that uh everything's fine with you. You know what You do you have anything that you're concerned about living here? >> Well, no. Um No, we I we are looking at different in different places right to live. >> Okay. All right. Um >> She's got so many dogs. >> Okay. How long have you guys been living together here? >> About a year and a half, 2 years. >> A year and a >> Year and a half? Okay. So, um Um did you Did you make any phone calls to anybody that you remember? >> No, because I don't have a phone. For some reason, she didn't have Just No, she just locked me out of the phone. >> Oh. Does she have a phone or no? She does? Okay. >> when I see it, I'll believe it. >> Is there anything that that you wanted to talk to the police about as far as um any kind of alleged abuse or anything like that or living conditions or anything? >> No, it recently uh since I met you right here it's it's been better. >> Since when? >> Uh 6 months ago. >> Okay. Kathleen's answers lined up with her daughters, but the conversation was about to shift toward who was really in control there. Is there a power of attorney involved in this? Are you a legal power of attorney and all that? To make for >> like to see that. >> Is there >> We did it because I took her all her finances and everything else when she >> So is it medical and estate or everything? >> 100% >> Do you have any of that paperwork with you? >> Not that I can provide right now, no. >> Okay, because cuz I have to report back to this APS guy and if I don't have anything that says what you're saying, then he has to keep digging. Cuz that's what they do. I'm trying to put this baby to bed right now. >> No, I do. The unfortunately, like I'm in the middle of moving, so I'm packing and moving everything and I have not somewhere that's if I can't go in there and be like, "Okay, let me go in this box and find it." Literally, that's where >> How long would you think it would take you to find it? To get back to me. >> A few days. If you give me your card, I can Do you want me to email it to you or I can >> I'll give you an email and then you can email that information. That way >> I have all the paperwork. >> Otherwise, he's got the guy who's calling is going to he's either going to come over here a bunch of times or he's going to want to see all that kind of stuff, you know what I'm saying? So, when did that go down? The whole paper >> A year and a half ago when she first went in. >> So, a year and a half ago is when you you filed and got all the paperwork for >> 100% There's a Yeah, my my both my aunts, her sisters, agreed because she was she got taken for five grand from a scammer from email. >> Okay. call. >> That's where we're at now. >> Okay. So Okay. >> So complete finance, everything. So I have the banks, everything. >> Okay. >> Um because of because it was just and she she has she forgets where her phone is, she forgets where she puts everything, right? And that's >> Okay. >> That's where the a lot of this is happening. Um >> Okay. >> And then she has a neurologist, a doctor. I take her to all of her appointments. And they don't want her to have They don't want her on the computer to get scammed. They don't want her making >> Does she ever go anywhere? Do you ever take her anywhere? >> Yeah, we went to the library. >> Oh, library. When was that? >> Yesterday. >> But when she ever When she ever yeah, what? Three months. >> Month or two, yeah. So when I ask her to go to the grocery store, she says she's too tired. I'll go tomorrow. Can I go tomorrow? So it's like it's kind of like the same thing. So if I ask her to go every day, maybe I would say once every 10 days she might want to go. >> Okay. >> Library, she enjoys going to the library. She was there for several hours, like five hours. >> April's explanation seemed to satisfy the basic requirements, but paperwork was still missing. And that alone was enough to keep the case open. >> Every day every month it's gotten kind of worse. >> Okay. >> deterioration. So we're just trying to find her a better place. >> It's Kevin. That's Tomasevic at >> Oh. >> chandleraz.gov, okay? >> Oh, good. I have a >> Yeah, and just uh >> I can probably find it today, maybe for you. >> Yeah, if you could find it, send it over. That way that way >> Yeah, I know. I got it. >> That that prevents them sending people over here. It prevents a lot of stuff. >> So um well, because yeah, they know that I'm making all the decisions. >> Yeah, exactly. Yeah. >> Okay. So >> That way if somebody accuses somebody of something >> I know. >> they know who's in charge and who who's who's allowed to make decisions on that kind of stuff. You know what I'm saying? So >> Yeah. I can send it. I don't mind. >> Yeah. >> What do you So you just need the major power of attorney thing. >> Just yeah, just whatever it's >> The paperwork that >> the paperwork that shows that you're in control of of Is is it finance and health? >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Like all that like no one can do health health on her without my authorization, basically. >> Uh-huh. >> No one can I mean we talk about it. >> And there's two separate ones, right? One's for finance and real estate or whatever and one's for >> Both. I got them all on purpose. Cuz she can When we go to the bank for instance like I have access to everything but she's has you know she has some say but I have access to it. That's where we're at. >> Okay. All right, do you have any questions for me, ma'am? >> No, right now. >> Okay. Well, I'm glad you Yeah. I'm glad you you're feeling better and you're you're talking good. >> Yeah. >> And uh >> Next month get better and better. >> Yeah. That's good. All right, do you have any questions for me or anything? This was just a welfare check. >> I can I get the records? Am I allowed to just like I'm allowed to look up the records on who called? I can I can get the >> Yeah, what I'll I'll let me give you the report number and I'll put it on there. Yeah. So, basically it sounds like some things stem from the library. Whether did she talk to somebody at the library? Maybe, possibly. That's what I'm guessing. And then the library called APS and APS called us. So, that's pretty much it. I don't know what exactly what was said but it was enough to do a welfare check. Yeah, so Uh I'll give you the report number. I'll be right back. >> In the end that day, nothing happened to April McLaughlin. However, later that year officers would meet April again after another tip. You will watch it soon. Next up, officers were about to walk into a large hoarding case because inside that home hundreds of cats and dogs were found crammed together in absurd conditions. >> There's a lot. >> On April 15th, 2025, officers in Ogden, Utah responded to a home following reports of possible unlawful acts with animals, but the moment they reached the door, it became clear this was going to be far worse than a routine call. >> Ogden City Police, >> There's like 40 right here. >> Ogden City Police, If you're inside, make yourself known. We have a search >> Barely inside the house, the officers were already overwhelmed, and what hit them next would force them right back out the door. >> My eyes burn. >> Ammonia is not good, bro. >> We have hazmat suits in our truck. >> You you guys might need them later, but you definitely >> Let's Yeah, we're going to get our masks real quick. >> what's the concern? There's more people in here. I mean, this is >> I mean, you >> Well, more people. >> It's never zero. >> Oh my god. >> There's a lot. >> mask. Got your mask. >> I just want to make it fast, and I don't want to go slow. >> It's very strong. >> Suiting up. >> I told you to >> Felt you up here. >> Better than no mask. I said do you have some? >> Uh Well, we got masks at the at the PD. We'll see what we can do. Huh? >> With masks on and a warning that things only got worse from here, the officers pushed forward, but nothing could have fully prepared them for what was waiting deeper inside. >> No, that is made to filter out smells. So >> Oh. >> Bad, dude. >> Bad, dude. Quick, let's go Well, yes. Cats. We got several cats back there. Is that what they're doing? Yeah? No. No, it's two of them. Let's move. Yeah, let's go. >> Are we clear? >> Yeah. >> How about upstairs? >> Uh, no, that I saw. A lot of cats. Can we go in here? Hey, what's this? Oh. We already looked. Hey, dude, is this good? >> Yeah. >> All right. >> Are we clear? >> Yeah. >> Go. >> go. >> In the end, the homeowner, 73-year-old Miguel Salgado Vargas, was charged with 148 counts of unlicensed animals, 148 counts of failure to obtain rabies vaccination, 168 counts of public nuisance animals, 168 counts of cruelty to animals, and one count of kennel/cattery violation. Later, he pleaded guilty, but not to all charges. [music] His nephew, 40-year-old Ramon Cano Aizpuru, has received 336 charges, including 168 counts of cruelty to animals and 168 counts of public nuisance. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him. In this [music] next case, officers responded to a property where dozens of dogs were being kept in conditions no animal should ever endure. >> There's a dog in there. It's in the shower along with this one. >> Yeah, pepperoni. Pepperoni, pepperoni. Look through the window >> We saw a bunch of dogs in all of the cages. We just walked in there and we did find a deceased dog inside the house. >> On July 13th, 2023, deputies in Ocoee, Florida, responded to a tip about a property where a large number of dogs were living in unsanitary conditions. But as barking echoed from every direction, it became clear that not every animal there was fine. >> I >> dog? >> There's a dog in there. It's in the shower along with this one. So, just like up there and to the side. >> I'm going to go on for this one. I'm guessing that was mom. >> With one dog already confirmed deceased, the officers kept moving through the property, and the deeper they went, the more it became clear how the situation had spiraled out of control. >> 10-99 babies You okay? Aw, look at your little faces. Yes. I'm good. pepperoni pepperoni pepperoni pepperoni I know, babies. I know. Yes. We'll get to you in a bit, all right? Thank you, buddy. >> As the operation continued, an elderly woman approached the deputies, and what she was about to reveal would help explain how things had gotten this bad in the first place. >> Where's Kayla at? Where does that dog sleep at? Yeah, yeah. Um Okay. Do you know when the last time that anybody's been here at the property is? We had posted a notice yesterday at noon on the trailer door. The notice was still here. Um we looked through the window that was open and we saw a bunch of in one of the cages. Is it possible to go in there? We did find a deceased dog inside the house inside the trailer. Yeah. So, we're picking all the dogs up right now. She's in the hospital. What about all the other people? Cuz there was a bunch of people here at one point. Okay. Yeah, yeah, yeah. No, I got you. Are you You don't care for the dogs or anything. It's just Heather and Kayla and whoever else was staying here in the tents. Okay. All righty. Um are there any dogs in at this house that we're going to find? Okay. Are you okay if we walk through it here in a second? Yeah. Okay. I know at one point we heard we had Not today, but we had In the past she was keeping them in there, so we'd just like to rule that out cuz we did find the one in the in the trailer. >> Is it fine if I check in there just to make sure so I can knock it out of my investigation? >> I really rather you not. >> Okay. All right. Well, you don't understand with these conditions uh there's an investigation that's going to have to go on, so regardless if we do or do not a warrant will be sent out eventually. Okay? So, I'm just giving you the option right now. Just to search to see if there's any more dogs in there. >> It looks like the back of my vehicle. >> Yeah. >> Sorry, you okay? Him and I just walked through real quick and just make sure. No, I know that. We made contact with you at a different address before. Officer Suarez did. So, we understand you're not involved, but you know, you're here now, so we just want to make sure that, you know, >> Orange County Animal Services had helped remove 32 dogs from the property. Afterwards, 11 were adopted while 15 were sent to partner rescue organizations. Four dogs were returned to their original families and two dogs were humanely euthanized due to poor health and mental conditions. Almost a month later, on August 4th, 2024, investigators found where one of the women responsible for the dogs, identified as 45-year-old Heather Lynn Drace, was living. >> I'm coming out. >> Okay. >> Hi. >> Hi, how are you? >> All right. You're going to have to talk to you outside the gate. >> All right, okay. Is this one of your old cars or >> Yeah. >> Okay, I'm Deputy Rister. >> Uh-huh. >> And I've been assigned the case on 230 Silver Star Road. >> Okay. >> So, you're not going to jail today, so get that out of your head. I'm just trying to do follow-ups to find out what it was that >> Will I be going to jail? >> I'm sorry? >> Will I be going to jail at some point? >> I don't know. It depends on I'm still waiting on stuff from Animal Services and everything else, so >> Okay. >> So, the place at 230 Silver Star >> Uh-huh. >> Is that where you're living or >> I was. >> Okay. So, you're doing a rescue with Kyla Kaylee? How do you say her name? Is to give it to Kyla. >> Kyla. >> So, explain to me what is going on there. >> She was doing independent rescue. I was definitely helping her, obviously. I live there. When the dogs were taken though, I was in and out of the hospital and here. I hadn't been home since Sunday or Monday. >> So, are you all like a true rescue or >> 501c now. >> You just take dogs in, turn around and sell them off, whatever. Okay. So, of the 30, I think it was 33 dogs, how many did you have or were you responsible for? >> Five. >> And those are your dogs? Okay. >> Four plus one of them was registered to me. Yeah. >> Okay. >> Bear, he was registered to me. What I take is my four dogs and then my four dogs. >> I'm sorry. >> And Bear, he was registered to me. He was chipped to me. I adopted him out of Oklahoma. And then my four, the three pitbulls, the three female pitbulls and the Akita. >> With Heather's role now on the record, the deputy shifted to the dogs found in the trailer and the answer she gave next would end up hitting a lot harder than expected. So, the the dogs that were in the kennels, I know most of those are are actually fine. >> Mhm. >> Um yeah, I know they've all been ASPCA approved in shelters and >> Yeah, I've been keeping track. There's eight left there. There's two in foster, there's two that are rescue only and there's six up for adoption. Of the dogs. >> Oh, okay. So, the dogs that were in the trailer, were you all living in the trailer or in the main house? >> Trailer. >> So, the dogs that were in the trailer, I know all of these two, three, four >> Five of them tested positive for parvo. And then one was deceased when they got there. So, any of them were any of those yours? >> No, and I didn't know they were sick when I left. I wouldn't have left out of state and took care of the dogs instead of taking care of myself. I didn't know they were sick. I wouldn't have left. And I don't know if she knew they were sick or not. I definitely didn't. I wouldn't have left them babies sick. >> Okay, ma'am. I'm not a vet, so I don't know if a dog comes down with parvo what the symptoms are or what what they're not. Um Did you keep vet records or anything on any of these dogs or >> They're in the RV still. >> So, like most of the dogs were up on rabies shots and Okay. >> As far as I know, Kylie did most of the vetting. Well, she did all of the vetting. She dealt with all of the financials. She dealt with all of the vetting. I just helped take care of them. >> So, this here, can you tell me which one Was that your dog? >> No. Who is that? Her? >> That yours? >> No, she's not mine, but I took care of her. >> Okay, she is 20 >> [snorts] >> But she didn't test positive for parvo, is that right? >> No, she's not one of the ones. Marble and the two puppies and then the two Boston Terriers are the parvo ones. Oh my god, look at her. >> Emotional, but still quite composed, Heather kept going through the photographs. And each dog she recognized seemed to hit her harder than the last. >> They look horrible. No. You look so scared. That's one of the ones I took care of. I had him. >> That's yours? Or another [snorts] one you're taking care of? >> All the big dogs that go for walks to go to the bathroom like the first. I can't believe they were all sitting in there like that. >> [snorts] >> No. Like they're not my dogs, but I took care of them. No, he was outside. He was inside. I didn't take care of him. >> I'm sorry? >> I didn't know. No, I didn't take care of him. >> You mean my marble dog? >> Copy of Cadillac. Yeah. Like yours. That's marble [snorts] and the puppies. I took care of her. I know they're the ones I had to care of. >> No, I didn't take care of him. >> Not yours, all right? >> No. No. >> As the photos kept coming, it became clear this wasn't just about who owned which dog, and the deputy still wanted to know how many animals had been living under Heather's watch the entire time. >> The only ones that are mine are the three pit bulls and Stella and Bear. That's Stella. >> Not yours? >> Yeah. All of her vet records are at um Doctor Findley Animal Garden. >> Mhm. >> She's up to date on everything. No, I took care of her when I got mine. That's Camo. It's one of mine. >> So that is yours? >> Yeah, that's Camo. I know one of the questions is rabies vaccines. This is Camo's, Zena's, and Allen's. >> Yeah, I have copies of all of those. >> They just expired like 3 days before this. So that's Ali. >> And that's yours? >> Yeah. That's Zena. She's mine. >> Ali is yours? >> Yeah, Ali is mine. >> No, that's a different dog. Yeah, that's a different dog. >> Anyway, he's not mine, but I took care of him. If you didn't do that, they're going to put her down. He's not mine. But >> I mean, you said you had four? >> Four, five including Bear. >> What happened to Bear? >> Nothing. >> No, which which one was Bear? >> He was outside. You didn't get to him yet? No. That's four. >> With the animal count settled, the deputy turned to bigger questions. Who was actually running this rescue and whether that person knew exactly what was happening while Heather was away. >> Which dog is that? That might be Bear. I can't tell from that picture. I would say yeah, that's Bear. >> [snorts] >> Those are the only ones in there, right? >> Yeah. >> Okay, so when y'all got these dogs in, I mean what did we do? >> Her family's not going to know I talked to you, right? >> I don't know. It's a public record. >> I didn't bring any of these dogs in. >> I talked to them all when >> I helped take care of them. She dealt with all of it. They're bringing them in, they're finding people to adopt them, they're finding fosters, all of it. All the financial, all the food, everything, she dealt with all of that. >> Okay, so you were mainly acting like an employee. So, when you went to the hospital on the 7th or the 8th, whatever day you went to the hospital, you told Kayla that >> I was going to the hospital, yeah. >> You were not going to be there to take care of the dogs. >> Yeah. >> Does anybody else come and assume any kind of responsibility for the dogs or >> Her boyfriend when they would come together and he would do the outside dogs and she would do the inside dogs. >> How's that uh Michael? >> Yeah. >> Michael Bruce? >> Yeah. >> Okay, so you told Kayla you're going to the hospital. You went to the hospital that same day? >> I let her know from the hospital. I had called 911 to come and get me. Couldn't breathe. I couldn't breathe. There was nothing I could do about it. And when I got out out of the hospital, I came here so that I could just relax and get better, but she knew I was coming here. She knew I was coming here and then I went back to the hospital and I was admitted. I was in the hospital when they went and took the dogs. >> With 27-year-old Kayla Rivard's involvement confirmed by another family member, the deputy pressed further and Heather's version of how clean and cared for those dogs really were was about to be put to the test. >> Grandmother, is that Mikloski is your grandmother, Marion? >> Yeah. >> Yeah, she said you're in the hospital. She just couldn't tell us what hospital you were in, so. Um so, the dogs that are in the trailer. >> Uh-huh. >> I mean, I'm I'm going to be honest with you. The living conditions are kind of deplorable. >> I have seen some of the pictures. >> I'm sorry? >> I have seen some of the pictures. >> Okay. So, did all the dogs in the trailer actually get a chance to get out and get fresh air. >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. >> Because I know there was no food or water when animal services got there, but >> And she told me even after they were there, she told me she was there the night before. There's no way they should have been out of food and water if she was there the night before. If she was there within 12 hours, there's no way they would have been out of food and water. And there's no way she wouldn't have known they were sick. >> [sighs] >> Okay. So, when you were taking care of the dogs in the trailer I know you you're telling me you you know you got the dogs out, you walked the dogs or whatever. Did you clean the cages and >> Well, yeah. I would clean the cages that the big dogs were in if they needed to be cleaned. They usually didn't because they're all house broke. >> How about the little dogs? >> I didn't do the little dogs. Every now and then, like if she would tell me, you know, she's not going to be there, I would do the little dogs. Or if they were just, you know, they really needed done and she wasn't there, I did them. When I left, all the cages were clean. Everybody had food and water. Nobody was sick. >> Okay. >> My own dogs were in there. I would never I've had Ali for 9 years. And I had Kimber and Zena for 5. I would never >> Heather stood firm on her version of events, but as the conversation turned toward Kayla, it became clear the two women were far from being friends like before. >> They've already asked me they're telling you guys that it was a misunderstanding. And that I thought she was there and she thought that I was there. And that's not true. I have the proof. I have I have messages back and forth between us. She didn't think I was there. She knew I wasn't there and she was telling me that she was. And dogs because of it And my dogs are gone. He wasn't the The one that they had to put Rose down. One of them puppies that was with Marble had it. Cali isn't going to be euthanized. Buster isn't going to be euthanized. It's not right. >> No, it's really not. >> If she said I never got all these dogs and she couldn't take care of them or didn't want to. >> is Rose? Okay. >> She was very sick. >> When you were there before you went to the hospital, they found the deceased dog in the shower. Along with uh one of the other little dogs. Is that where they normally stayed or >> They stayed in there, yeah. Yeah, there was no room. >> Okay, and then when you left on the 9th or 10th or whatever day you left those dogs were were still alive and >> Yeah, they were fine. They were fine. Yeah, they were fine cuz they came out and ran all over and he pissed all over everything. They were fine. It's the male that and he came out and jumping all over the place. He was fine. Me and him 30 dogs. It's a lot. >> It is a lot of dogs. >> It's a lot. It's a lot to keep up with. It's a lot and I've been telling her it's too much. >> So what do you think Carla is going to say when I go talk to her? >> I have no idea. She's probably going to tell you it was all me. >> [snorts] >> She's going to tell you it was all me and save her own ass. I was an addict. >> Before wrapping up, the deputy asked Heather for something on paper, but her answer would reveal there was more going on beneath the surface. >> Where are you getting all your food and stuff from? Is that all donations or >> A lot of donations, yeah. A lot of donations, Kyla comes up with a lot of money. >> Okay, and you don't want to write a statement. >> I don't want her family to know that I even told you anything. Tell me they'll harass me bad. Really bad. If it comes down to it and I have to go to court, obviously I'll write a statement up, whatever, but right now, like I haven't even got all my stuff. My truck is still over there. It's problems I don't need right now. And I know that makes your job difficult and you can't use anything that I say. And I know that. >> Okay, well, just uh sort of keep you updated on >> If it comes down to it and I have to write a report, I will. >> But I can't force you to write a statement. >> I know. But if it comes down to it though and I have to write one, I will. >> So, when was the last time you actually saw her there taking care of the dogs? >> A day or two before I went to the hospital. The day before. Cuz she was there that night and we did all the dogs. >> So, does she normally like come in today and not come in for a couple days or was she pretty much there every day or >> Pretty much there every day taking care of the dogs. >> So, it wasn't unusual for her It was very unusual for her to not come in for 3 days. >> Yeah. >> So, over the 3 days that were 4 days that you were in the hospital. >> She was telling me she was there. >> Mhm. Okay. >> At this point, the deputy wants to know how Heather got involved with the rescue in the first place, and her answer would reveal exactly how a good intention spiraled into this. >> What got you into this with Carla? You just wanted to work with dogs or um >> Yeah, I love dogs. I went through a hard time I was breeding, which is, you know, Ali, Camo, and Zena. Ali is the mom, Zena are puppies out of her last litter. Her last litter was 5 years ago. >> Mhm. >> [snorts] >> So, I didn't do this. I bred, but then I saw how big the problem was and I quit breeding and started helping Kyla. And then it just got worse and worse and she needed more and more help and she was worse and worse on the >> Mhm. >> She was in jail end of March beginning of April. She was in jail for 17 days. I [snorts] had all the dogs by myself. It wasn't as many. But I had all the dogs by myself. And then when she got out of jail, she started overdosing and she was overdosing in the RV and I was the only one there and it just got worse and worse and This I I can tell you right now this this is the part that the She started doing heroin about about 4 weeks before 3 4 weeks before this happened. And that's the problem is she was just so strung out. She didn't care anymore. >> Mhm. >> It was not like this. It No, it never. >> Is she still in jail on her bond? So, >> Yeah, well, she had court today. She has court next Friday. >> Mhm. >> And then the week after that, on the dogs, Ordinance. >> That'll be for the probably for the the fines and everything for the part of it, so yeah. That I really don't know nothing about. >> In the end, Kayla Rivard and Heather Lynn Dress were arrested and charged with animal cruelty and multiple counts of confining animals without food, water, or exercise. Next case, April McLaughlin is back on the officer's radar. But this time, a search warrant would expose far more than just the poor condition of the animals inside her house. >> All right, I'm sorry. My hands over here, please. Which one's the one that's from Alaska? The older husky. >> On September 22nd, 2023, officers from Chandler, Arizona and the Humane Society arrived with a search warrant at April McLaughlin's house. But as she stood outside watching more people arrive by the minute, it was clear this visit was nothing like the one before. >> Who are these people? >> Tommy. It's a lot of media going on with with everything. I'm sure you've kind of followed and heard and odds and ends, so people are saying they're going to protest a resident here in Chandler. So, I'm going to keep you right here just so the cameras and people don't >> Well, I just want to know what's going on. >> We're going to have a few other officers show up. >> And then what? >> And Nicole's going to come talk to you. >> We're not coming in here. We're not coming in the house. We're talking about just standing here. >> We're going to talk about that. >> Before officers even stepped inside, April tried to prepare them for what was coming. But nothing she said would come close to describing the conditions they were about to walk into. >> It's messy in there and there's [ __ ] everywhere. I'm not going to lie to you. >> Okay. >> I mean, it's not going to I have to clean up. There's dogs that I have to be cleaned. >> Yeah. I would think. >> You're not going to like what you see. You're not going to like what you see. So, I'm going to say there's dogs that I have to clean up. >> Mhm. >> I haven't cleaned. >> I get it. >> There's poop everywhere in that one room. It's going to smell like ammonia cuz I haven't had a chance to clean. >> I get it. Oh, I'm getting we're prepared for it all. >> Prepared for what? >> Just just for for everything that comes with with scenarios like this. >> I just want to know what happens. I want to know what happens. >> How do you get dogs delivered to you? >> I'm a rescue. >> referral >> No, it's well >> So, word of mouth and >> Yeah. Um I've been trying to talk to you all week. Okay. >> Yeah. >> And it's not progressing. The way that I want it Not the way that I want it to the way that it should. Okay? >> Okay. >> So, we're here with the Humane Society and we're going to serve a warrant. We're going to see what's going on in there, okay? Um you're not free to leave. And then we'll we'll go in there and see what we see and then I'll let you know what's going to happen from there. Okay? >> We're going to take April inside and find out where her mother is, but we're not going to leave these dogs in here. So, we're going to load these ones up first. Okay, let's go get your mom. >> Yeah, we'll just close the door behind you here so they don't hop out. >> No, Cody. All right, well, I'll just I mean, what do you want me to do? You can't throw them home. >> Are you ready? And the gate's closed and the gate's closed. Cuz when we open this door, they're all coming out. They're all going to come out and then we're all going to just Yeah. Come on, April. All right. Where are you? My eyes are burning, please. Let's get her. Let's get momma out of here. All these dogs have seven. Look at that. Look, they all have a disability, okay? Okay. It's okay. >> He's burning my eyes in there. >> Will I come out front with us? Okay. >> Okay. >> Come on, everybody. Yeah, come on, people. Come on, good ball. >> Okay. >> I don't want to get They're not going to be dragging like this. So, they're out here because of you guys. >> You know what I mean? >> Anybody that comes in these doors >> With the mother, Kathleen McLaughlin, now safely outside, officers turned their attention to the dogs. And what began as a routine assessment would soon reveal just how far the scale of this operation truly went. >> So, right now they're assessing and then we're going to start seeing them. >> It's okay, Mom. Come on this side, this way. >> I understand maybe some of the dogs are in bad shape, so they take them out, you know, neighbors don't need to see everything. >> Oh, okay. Neighbors are very curious. >> I think they're also very concerned. How's the house, the condition of the house? >> Oh, the house is okay. >> Is or is it? >> It is. >> Okay, good. Yeah, cuz you got to live there, too. >> Yeah. >> Yeah, you have your own room in there and everything? >> Yes, every room. >> Okay. So, the dogs are in the rooms, I guess. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> We have dogs in the bathroom and the kitchen. >> I don't know. Can I have a towel to dry my hair? I'm doing a hotel here. >> Dogs abandoned with cat poop. >> Yes, I know, buddy. I know. I know, buddy. >> Okay, I know. >> Oh, I smell it now. It's been And I don't know how the old lady survived. >> Which one's the one that's from Alaska? Um the the older husky. She's dragging, dragging. Now, she drives her Is she out in the main area or she's in one of the rooms? She's in one of the bedrooms. So, how's her tail? How's her third paw? And we're worried about the medical, these living conditions, some of them were sitting in poop. And okay, no, I don't There's no more I don't have a chance to get the It's just the fact that there's There's all these dogs, they're still dragging, he doesn't have a wheelchair, like there's just so many different things going on. Um, these conditions >> The garage hasn't been checked in 6 months. The barking going on and going on. >> And then if you can identify as they come out which one's your personal dog, then we can go from there. As far as the judge goes, we'll give you a copy of everybody that's been seized. >> My own personal dog. The garage, there's a lot of barking coming from there, too. >> Is there dogs in the garage? >> Definitely. >> How many are in there? >> Four. >> So you're you're going to be charged. Okay, so you're you're not free to leave. Okay, for animal neglect. >> This one. >> Okay, I'm leaving you here because I want to be able to do this right. Have you help us figure out who's who, figure out who your personal dogs are so they don't get mixed in, identify the names. Um, and then afterwards, once we're done, uh, we'll take you back to the station and we'll talk to you there. >> With dozens of dogs already accounted for, investigators started to realize this case went far beyond the poor conditions of the animals. And April's rescue was about to be tied to something much bigger. >> Do you know the names of all these dogs? >> Yeah. >> Okay. You are under arrest. We're just placing you inside the car. You realize that? >> My attorney has told me >> I know this is a shock. It's a lot to you to take in. All these dogs are going to be re-socialized. And then just just watch where you step, okay? And then take a breath, please. >> Yes. >> I know this is just a lot for you to take in right now. So >> There is so much going on. >> I know. >> Okay, and you guys have been blasted by the media. You're getting I mean, I've been blasted, but you're getting called >> Do you want me to tell you how I got involved? I I don't have anything to hide. We don't have anything to hide. >> No. >> On Monday, a submission came to our office. >> That's hard. >> I know. Yeah, concerned about some abuse. >> They're very needy. >> Yeah, some of my dogs are very needy, and I'm concerned. >> I know. >> All right, ringleader. I'm coming back in. >> No one's allowed to go back in the house at all because they don't know if the the levels are so high it's dangerous. >> And my eyes were burning. >> Yeah. >> I'm going to go crazy. I've had two people come to my One came to my yard tonight last night. Last night they Okay, you jealous. Don't yell at Don't be jealous. Don't be jealous. I'm surprised how well everyone gets along out here. >> Right? >> That's why it's so easy. >> We're going to have you go by the back gate for your for your safety. >> This is my life. I'm just I don't know what you can do for me, but >> We will do our job as the police department to to still protect you just like we have. >> As the animal rescue continued outside, April's mother sat down with officers. And what she revealed about her own living situation would raise serious concerns. >> Here are the concerns that we're presenting to adult protective services on your behalf. People worried about you. Is about you may be living in an environment that's unsafe. How long have you lived here at the house with April? >> About 2 years. >> Have all these dogs been here the entire time? >> No, because she gets more. >> Okay. How How is she doing that? Is she buying dogs? Is she rescuing them? >> I don't know exactly what she takes care of takes care of them even if they are in a cage. >> How about you? Does she take good care of you being her mom? >> Well, yeah. I would feel better if I had one seat. >> Okay. So, let's kind of talk about the conditions in the house. I haven't been inside yet. How would you describe the interior of the home that you live in? >> Oh, everything is set up to accommodate dogs. >> Okay. Is there anything set up to accommodate you? >> Oh, no. >> Where in the house do you sleep? >> Oh, I sleep on one of the couches. >> One of the couches? >> Yeah. >> You don't have your own bedroom? >> well, no. Those are occupied by two little bad cats. >> The bedrooms are? Is there a lot of animals inside the home? >> Oh, no. It's actually up >> You know? >> It's like >> Okay. Does April do all the cleaning or you? >> No. >> Okay. >> She and I both. >> What about your finances? Do you have income every month? You get social security or retirement or working? >> Yes. >> How much do you get in a month? >> Well, I get about 1,400 >> What is that money used for? >> For whatever she wants to um But she I she won't tell me how much that is worth. >> Are you home alone a lot? Or are you or is she home with you? >> I'm home alone all the time. >> Do you have access to a telephone? >> No. >> Where what's Where's your phone? >> My phone is somewhere where my daughter is, where it is. >> Oh, she takes it with her? >> I guess. >> How come she has so many dogs? >> She likes the idea of taking care of of the animals. >> Okay. Do you Do you feel like your daughter's taking good care of you? >> Oh, but she can't. She's got too much to do. >> Kathleen's account said everything officers needed to know, but as attention shifted back to April, one final question would put her account to the test. >> Has she ever hit you? >> Uh she did one night when we when I had first lived here. She lashed out. >> Verbally or >> Both. And And And physically. >> How would What would you think about if you were able to live somewhere else? >> All right. >> All right. Sounds like you're excited about it. >> But if you would need medical assistance, we should take you. >> Yeah, she would she'd think about it. >> She'd think about it? Why is that? >> She see she got all my money. She has all my money. >> Okay. >> So this is Jessie. >> Male East German Shepherd. Oh, it's male. >> It's too bright. It's too bright. >> I also want to know who these two people are around my mom. >> So they're going to speak to you at at some point. >> They're heckling me and my heart and I have to talk to these people. That's how they treat people? >> Those are the ones that were doing this to >> That's who was heckling me. >> Okay. >> And she was like, "You're going away. Your dog is going away. Can't wait. Can't wait to get you out of there. Yeah, you're going to a new home." On and on and on. And those are the people I have to talk to? Those are the people who are going to run my mother? That's ridiculous. How can people treat me like that and then I'm sure they're going to be You're going to be around. You better be around. >> Yeah, we'll Yeah. >> I'm like we definitely will. Right back so I can let her know. >> That's insane. >> Yeah, that's not >> That was That's insane. >> Yeah. It's hard to work with people that are unprofessional like that. >> The levels are so bad in there. They're not allowing anybody to go in there until those levels come down. So we have to get air in there. >> If these dogs start to start to pour out, can we take this gate thing and like put it in front of the door for these two? >> Here we go, guys. Okay, I'm behind you now. >> This dog is going to blow up. >> Man, I need a fan. Can I ask why it's being handcuffed? >> It's just our policy that we have to handcuff, but then they're taken off. It's for transport. >> Can I have a sandwich? I don't know. Thanks. I'm comfortable. >> Are we going to discover any deceased animals on the property? >> No. >> Okay. Not in the trash can, garage, in the bedrooms, in any type of refrigerators, freezers, anything like that? >> No. >> April's answer didn't hold up for long. In the next moment, she'd end up confessing about something hidden inside her house. >> You had a look on your face when she asked you that. >> It's common for instances like this where there to be a lot of deceased animals hidden in freezers, >> Yeah. >> trash cans, etc. So, that's why she asked. She I saw your face. >> Yeah. >> Like >> Oh, okay. Yeah. >> common, so that's why it's common. >> I just want to make sure that we're geared up if there is. >> Right. >> We're going to We're going to be looking. I got to just know >> I know. >> surprise. >> Um Well, if you put them on >> on ice and >> If I put them on what? So, when there's a deceased animal, you [ __ ] put them on ice, right? Because before you take them to the vet. >> Typically, usually. >> I mean, until you're able to go to the vet. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> So, in that freezer, >> Okay. >> there are the puppies that passed away. >> Okay. When did they pass away? >> A few weeks ago. >> And is that freezer in the kitchen? >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> I don't have anything else. I don't have any other >> How many um puppies are going to be in the freezer? >> I three. They had diseases. They >> At first, you said there's no deceased animals. Now, there's some in the freezer. >> Well, because I'm trying to think about cuz I've taken them to the vet again. >> Okay. What do you happens when you usually when they pass away? >> If they pass away immediately, I can take them to the vet. >> Okay. >> If they pass away on the weekend and there's no vet, I can put them on Put them on ice. >> in the freezer. >> Okay. >> And then you take them to the vet later. >> Okay. But these ones have been in there for a few weeks. >> No, we were seeing it then. >> Okay. How old Did you say puppies? How old are they? >> Six months. >> Less than six months, I think. >> Less than six months? >> Yeah. >> So, how big are they? >> Small. >> Do we know what they passed away from? >> Well, they had a disease in their body. We don't know exactly why. It's really hard when a dog dies and you know, you can't take him right up You know what I mean? Like dispose of it or you can't You know what I mean? You can't not go to bed right away. You still have euthanasia with you. >> When I have my animals euthanized from whatever >> Yeah, yeah. >> they're sick or or sick or They're old. Whatever. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Whenever it's that time to go to rainbow bridge, I take them directly to Paws the Crematory and have them cremated that morning. I pay a lot of money >> Oh. >> extra to have that done. >> Yeah. I don't I don't even know that was possible. >> want them sitting there for days. >> With the freezer discovery now on record, officers moved to close out the scene, but the state of the house itself meant this investigation was far from over. >> Just said something about We have a lot of cleaning to do with the way that you're living. So that you can live there because right now it's not livable. So >> We kind of need respirators. >> Well, getting rid of the carpeting will help a lot. Smell the semen, too. >> Oh, yeah. I I There have been times, I'll be honest, I've walked in there and I'm like, "Whoa." And I And I'm >> I could smell it walking before I even hit your driveway. >> I think Yeah, my I think Yeah. >> Probably cuz you got used to it. >> Yeah. So, because we it's going to take hours to ventilate everything that's going on, we're going to take you back to the station and it all depends on what else we find in that house. On what's going to happen. Okay? >> Yes. >> So, this Do you want to use a towel to cover your head to the car? >> Can't Can't we go like I'm just asking. I know you don't have to do it, but look, I I've already been put through like >> We're trying our best. >> do you want a towel on your head cuz I'm >> Once we get to the vehicle, they'll put the cuffs on. It'll be for transport. It's a short ride. >> Yeah. >> Yeah, just hold it on up like that, okay? >> There you got a hole right there to walk >> Yes. >> I'm walking through the house. Not the state? Yeah. No, we have not. Do you want to keep that towel >> Yeah. >> Is that okay? >> Well, they're tinted windows. They can't see inside. >> Oh. But, I mean like >> They can't see you. It's tinted windows. They can't see you. You're fine, okay? Take this. >> Just get all dogs out. You can just herd them from the room to the center area. They're going to be waiting to catch them in the center area. >> Okay. >> Yeah. So, we just need to get them in the living room. Get them in the main living room. Uh there was slipping fall hazards and dogs and dog pee everywhere. Um and then there's a room full of animals, so that's really our target. >> As Hazmat crews moved in, officers continued combing through the rest of the house, and there was still more evidence waiting to be uncovered. >> Go ahead and follow him. >> You may notify folks making an entry now to the main area. >> Come on, buddy. >> There was a husky running around. Did he get out? >> They got out. >> Okay. >> We should be clear in here. I'm checking that perimeter. There's a little >> Oh, jeez. Okay. >> The bathroom is going to be blocked with stuff. >> Okay. >> So, you see all this stuff? You see the toilet? She was not using this bathroom. >> Okay, so >> So, where is she going to the bathroom? Generally, there's bags or bottles stockpiled somewhere. I didn't see that. She may have been keeping here. >> Yeah. Yeah, it stands out as odd. Okay. >> There's like a puppy in the freezer. >> Yes, there are. They have no more room for any dogs right now. >> Unless the dogs are in the crates, you can bring them, but right now if they're free cuz leave them right now. Perfect. Come on. Come on. Come on. >> Oh, there's There is one. He is Hey, he's Hey, come on, Zippy. >> Come on, treat. Come here. >> He is moving. Oh, yeah, he came flying. He's right over here. >> Okay. >> Hey, Lauren. Is he in Awesome? >> There we go. >> Okay. Hi, buddy. I'm just going to call you Zippy cuz you are speed racer. Okay, I guess there's another one. Oh. Oh. Isaac, here's another one coming. Might be the last one, but they're going to make one more pass through. Um we waited to open the freezer. Okay. >> We're going to look in the bag, take photographs, and then put them back in the freezer. >> You got to got to be done. Everything is just >> So, what's >> there that you got in here. >> Oh, got you. >> What are dinner in there? >> Five Five puppies. Yeah. Bye. >> Figures. Son of a gun. I had a feeling. I was like, "Let's open the refrigerator last." Didn't >> Oh my god. >> Just when it seemed like the search was wrapping up, a smell stopped officers in their tracks, leading them toward a part of the property they hadn't checked yet. >> He said there was another room that they couldn't get into. That's another room. There's another entire room. Find me and can punch a hole in the wall to look at the other side, or the only other way is to go through the garage. Why do I hear This is my day off. >> She can't get to it. How is she getting to it? >> Yeah, but what's in there? >> Of what could have been in there. And be careful. >> So, something smells like death. There's nothing like in the corner over there? >> Something's over there. Some something I'm not feeling good about it. >> Hey, be careful, too, Phil. You know how high that was on the inside. Any hazards? Any >> It doesn't look like it. >> Okay. >> It's the cleanest part of the house. >> What's that smell? I can smell it. >> Yeah, I can smell it. >> Oh, yeah, it smells worse as you get in there. >> It smells worse than >> It smells like death. I can't >> Okay. >> Like what? >> Death. All those wheelchairs are brand they're brand new. All those wheelchairs are brand new. Like they haven't even been used at all. >> She claims that they all have their chairs as well. >> They all they all do have wheelchairs. >> Something's in here. I just don't know what. >> That's what I was looking at. Cuz I was like, "What's that?" >> Oh my god, it smells. That's hard. Oh. Let me get gloves. Oh. Oh, jeez. >> You want to take photo of it before you open it or anything? >> Yeah. It's heavy, though. Yeah, there was like a call an anonymous call saying some of they saw someone put what appears to be >> Are they going to open up this? Okay. >> With the property search finally over, it was time to interrogate April at the station, starting with how her mother had really been living all along. >> Hi. Hi there. You're going to hear under arrest. Okay? I want to talk to you about your mom. Both of us have been went doctor. It's been several months. I don't even know. At least 6 months, at least. >> She just didn't feel it was necessary. >> I understand. >> And she didn't want to live with with you anymore? Is that why she wanted to be in like her own? >> Both of us. >> Both of you? Why is that? >> Because we get on each other's nerves. One, we don't have any that much space in there as you probably already know, you know, two, my life is very fast-paced. It's obviously with all the dogs. It was constant, right? Constant cleaning, constant changing, constant going out the door, constant buying food, my mom, you know, watching CNN, you know, 16 hours a day, you know, it's just eating, drinking, you know what I mean? Because she's taking lots of naps. So, um the lifestyle was very different. So, it was hard for me to move around It's hard to move around in a very small place when you're that closed confined quarters, you know what I mean? >> All right, what about her money? >> Yeah. >> Does she have access to her money? >> I have control of the money. >> Okay. And that would be the part where the attorney comes into play. >> Yeah. >> Right. So, tell me about your day. What do you do on a regular day? >> Get up early with the dogs. The center of my life was the dogs. That was changing them, um taking them out, feeding them, you know, obviously feeding them in the morning, water, changing their kennels if they have diapers, and um taking them out in shifts, and then been doing laundry or cleaning. >> Mhm. So, where do you guys sleep? >> We each sleep on the couch. >> Why is that? >> Because there was not much room in the other in the other um bedrooms. >> And in the other bedrooms, are there there more dogs? >> Yeah. I have tried to get her to go in the room before before I got all the dogs. She would say she would fall asleep watching TV and movies in the living room with me. And then it just became a thing where why would she get up and go in there when she was falling asleep on the couch. So, right away the fire department started doing analysis and they determined to be for they even entered the back door that it wasn't safe to go in. Right. That's why everything stopped. Yeah. I mean, do you know it was that bad? I in all honesty felt like the longer I was out and the more I came back home, you know what I mean, the longer I was out, let's say shopping, you know what I mean, shopping with the dogs or with the dogs, the more I would come in I would the ammonia smell would be harder and harder. >> April may have gotten used to the smell of her house, but detectives weren't about to let her downplay just how dangerous that situation had actually become. >> Someone was telling me that you get accustomed to smells, you know what I mean, and then but it was bad. >> Do you think do you think it affects you in any way? The smell, smelling it all night long where you're sleeping? >> I don't know. Do you know? What about for your mom? Probably. I just I still don't even know. >> How do you think your mom feels at her age? It was bad for her to be in a smell like that, right? Do you understand that you were putting your mom in danger with those living conditions? >> Well, obviously not cuz if I thought it was okay for me I then wasn't thinking anything that would be dangerous for us. >> Do you think that's acceptable for her? >> I think she it would be nice for her to have a little apartment. It's not ideal for either of us. The situation that we were in is not an ideal for either of us to live in. But who created that environment? Me. So, it's my fault. Okay. Right. >> What about the freezer? >> We talked about the dogs, the puppies. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> Is there food items in there? >> Yeah. >> Do you think that's sanitary? >> Or >> Do you think to keep frozen food there along with >> Oh, no. No, you're right. No. Probably not because I see what you're saying. No. >> How long has that been going on? >> What? >> The dogs in the freezer were put along with the food. >> Well, I didn't have I was telling her I didn't have time and that to take them to get, you know, cremated. >> And who was with them in there? So, one or two? >> So, maybe one or two. >> One or two. >> Yeah. >> And how much food have you used? >> were there. Because they were down there and they were frozen and the food's up here. I think it's I wasn't, you know what I mean, thinking about that as a, you know what I mean, >> No. >> I just wasn't thinking about it like that. In all honesty. >> The freezer wasn't the only thing April had to explain, because next detectives wanted to know why she kept taking in more dogs than she could handle. >> Hey, April. All right, this is the last part. And we're done preliminarily. You all okay? No. How many dogs do you think total you have? >> 50. >> 50? 55. 55, okay. Out of those 55 dogs, which valued not three, but five, uh, puppies in the freezer? >> Okay, fair. >> So, how many times a day would you change out their bedding or the puppy pads inside? >> Every time. >> So, some of those dogs today that we saw, [music] >> I know. >> it was caked. Like, there's no way that that was in one day. Do you think that you had too many animals? Today? Yes. >> Yes. >> Okay. Why did you keep intaking animals? >> What I told you was already before you and I spoke, it was already in the process. >> And why didn't you cancel them? >> I I have a thing with keeping my word and I honestly, it had nothing to do with you and I and the investigation. It had to do with me committing making a commitment. >> So, so you you do believe you had too many animals? >> Um, well, it's it's a hard question. I think I had I had way more than I can handle. >> Okay. So, why didn't you allow the Humane Society to take more of those animals? >> Well, because I was I was going to surrender them. I had an appointment. I had an appointment on Monday. >> When you would walk into your home, did you notice the the ammonia smell? >> Even I was like this is like bad, you know what I mean? And I was trying to I was trying to schedule a time to rip up the carpet, you know what I mean? The only reason I I got into this is because I wanted to help, you know, dogs with disabilities, dogs that were sick, the ones that were thrown away and broken, you know what I mean? So, that was the goal of the rescue is to kind of show that big dogs deserve a chance. >> When detectives finally asked about hoarding, April didn't deny it outright, and what she said next would shift straight into the charges she was now facing. >> Do you think you have a hoarding issue? With dogs? I I don't know how to answer that. I don't think >> Yeah, but I don't I mean I don't think >> With 55 dogs, you don't think that's a hoarding issue? >> It's a lot of dogs. I agree with you, it's a lot of dogs. Do you want me to admit that it's a hoarding issue? >> I'm not telling you how to answer the question. I'm just asking if that's what if you think that that's a hoarding issue. >> I think it's leaning that way. Yeah. I never had a plan to keep all the dogs to myself. >> You were saying You never planned to keep them, but you did keep >> Right, because I couldn't adopt them out. >> Do you feel like you failed to take care of some of the dogs with wings? >> I feel like I did the best I could. >> Do you think that if they were that they could have received better care? >> Anything is possible. I I try to clean as much as I I'm cleaning all day long. I mean, I know it doesn't look like it. >> Your house at this point was deemed um I think Well, that's how they label it, it was being condemned basically. Like nobody could be in there. It was so unhealthy. You cannot breathe in there. So, as of right now, because there's 55 animals, until we get any any kind of medical records, you are being charged a for some of from failure to provide medical treatment. And then failure to provide water. Because the water wasn't in There was no water in the backyard. And then we were even starting to give some of the dogs water. They would sit there for a minute drinking the water. But this got way out of control. This got way out of hand. You put yourself in danger. You put your mother in danger. And you put 55 dogs in danger. >> For me, the the whole you know, this whole like sensationalism this has become uh you know, insane. To the point where it's just insane out there for me. My life. >> In the end, April McLaughlin pleaded guilty to multiple felony charges, including animal cruelty, fraud, and theft. She was sentenced to 3 and 1/2 years in prison, followed by 7 years of supervised probation. April agreed [music] to pay at least $173,000 in restitution, including $124,000 to Kathleen McLaughlin as part of her plea agreement. April also received a lifetime ban from owning animals. As for the dogs, sadly, five dogs passed away from their poor health. But all the other dogs have recovered, and many of them have been [music] adopted.