A disturbing case out of Alaska has led to dozens of charges after authorities say more than 20 dogs were found dead on a rural property.
Investigators say 35-year-old Misty Rehder has been indicted on 24 counts of animal cruelty following a grim discovery in the Caswell Lakes area.
The investigation began on April 15 when the Alaska State Troopers assisted local animal control at the property. What they found was shocking — dozens of dogs dead in kennels, sheds, and inside the home.
Authorities initially believed 25 dogs had died, but that number was later revised to 23.
According to court documents, some of the animals were found inside cramped enclosures, including one dog discovered in a crate filled with feces. Others were located in outdoor structures, and investigators say the conditions pointed to long-term neglect.
Even more heartbreaking, at least one dog initially appeared to still be alive — but was severely malnourished.
An affidavit alleges that the animals were left without proper food or water, with empty dishes, moldy food, and clear signs of dehydration and starvation found throughout the property.
Officials say the suffering was prolonged.
Rehder, who had been renting the property and running what she described as a kennel, was arrested on April 21 and taken into custody without incident. A grand jury later returned multiple charges against her, and she is expected to appear in court in Palmer.
According to investigators, witnesses had raised concerns about the dogs for months before authorities stepped in.
Rehder reportedly told officials she fed the animals regularly and claimed some had died from illness, but investigators say those statements do not match the evidence collected at the scene.
Two dogs have since been rescued in connection to the case — one found at the property and another located at a separate home. Both are now safe.