Ariz. Woman Arrested After 5 Puppies Were Allegedly Found Dead in Freezer at Animal Rescue Home

April McLaughlin, 48, is charged with 55 counts of animal abuse and 55 counts of cruelty to animals

An Arizona woman who ran an animal rescue home was arrested and charged with animal abuse and neglect after 55 dogs who had allegedly been poorly cared for were found in her home, including five dead puppies in a freezer, authorities say.

The Chandler Police Department said officers arrested April McLaughlin, 48, on 55 counts of animal abuse and 55 counts of cruelty to animals after they conducted a search warrant at her home on Sept. 23 to check on the welfare of the dogs living there, according to a statement on their Facebook page.

Authorities said in the statement they were tipped off by a “veterinary professional” about the condition of three animals living at the woman’s home, which prompted them to obtain a search warrant.

Police entered the home with members of the Arizona Humane Society who removed and took custody of the dogs, who needed medical attention, according to the police statement.

The Associated Press, citing police, reported that most of the 55 dogs removed from the home were elderly and had special needs, and that the animals had gone without water. Many will likely need to be euthanized, police said.

When officers arrived at residence they encountered a bad smell and requested a hazardous materials team, AZ Family reported.

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In court documents obtained by AZ Family, KPNX and the Associated Press, authorities alleged five dead puppies were found in McLaughlin's freezer.

According to the documents, McLaughlin allegedly told police at the scene that she didn't see anything wrong with storing food next to the dead animals.

McLaughlin ran an animal rescue out of her Chandler home, according to the reports. According to KPNX, neighbors had complained about smells coming from the home, and on Sept. 9, the Arizona Humane Society attempted to conduct a welfare check but were allegedly denied access by McLaughlin.

According to the AP, a judge set McLaughlin's cash-only bail at $2,500 at her initial court appearance Saturday. The AP reports a public defender would represent McLaughlin, but PEOPLE's call to the Maricopa Office of the Public Defender was not immediately returned.

It's not immediately clear if McLaughlin has entered pleas to the charges she faces.

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