Woman Indicted After Nearly 2 Dozen Dogs Were Found Dead in Dire Conditions on Alaska Property

A woman from Alaska has been indicted on multiple counts of animal cruelty following the discovery of numerous deceased dogs at her property. Misty Rehder, 35, is facing 24 charges in connection with the grim findings, which occurred on April 15 in the Caswell Lakes area.

The investigation, which involved the Alaska State Troopers (AST) and Mat-Su Borough Animal Control, revealed that 23 dogs had been found dead. Initially reported as 25, the figure was later revised by local authorities. The conditions at the scene were alarming, with reports of insufficient food and water supplies. Investigators discovered empty water dishes, moldy food, and critically, one emaciated dog that was still alive among the deceased.

Rehder was taken into custody on April 21. During her arrest, authorities indicated the seriousness of the situation, confirming that she was remanded to the Mat-Su Pretrial facility without incident. Following the investigation, grand jurors on May 4 formally indicted her on the charges.

Documentation from the case provides insight into the appalling circumstances at the property, where multiple dogs were found either in kennels or within a shed-like structure. The condition of these animals raised significant concerns, as one dog was found deceased inside a crate that also contained faeces, suggesting severe neglect.

The affidavit from the AST outlined the allegations against Rehder, indicating she had knowingly failed to provide adequate sustenance to the dogs under her care. Trooper Mariano Barela described the conditions the animals endured, leading to “severe and prolonged suffering, emaciation, dehydration and death of at least 25 dogs.”

Witnesses reported that they had raised concerns about the treatment of the dogs at the property for months prior to the investigation, indicating a long-standing issue that raised alarm bells within the community. Court records revealed that Rehder’s landlord was pursuing eviction due to unpaid rent, with Rehder characterising her operation as more of a hobby kennel, while claiming to generate funds through the sale of photographs online.

At her initial court appearance on April 22, Rehder defended her actions, asserting that she provided a regular meal schedule of kibble and meat for the dogs. She also claimed that several dogs had succumbed to kennel cough and insisted that the deceased animals were cremated at a separate facility. However, these assertions have reportedly been disputed by investigators.

Alongside the unfortunate situation involving the deceased dogs, two canines were rescued as part of the ongoing case. One dog, named Woody, was found on the property, while a second dog, Birdie, was located in a separate home where she had been living under more favourable conditions.

As the legal proceedings unfold, the case continues to garner attention not only for its troubling content but also for the broader implications regarding animal welfare in Alaska. The indictments against Rehder are set to be addressed in Palmer Superior Court, where she is scheduled to be arraigned.

The Alaska State Troopers and the Alaska Department of Law have been approached for further comments regarding the case, but responses have not yet been forthcoming. Meanwhile, the case has raised pressing questions about the responsibilities of pet owners and the enforcement of animal welfare laws.