Indictment in Willow dog case: Misty Rehder faces 24 counts

On May 4, 2026, a Palmer grand jury indicted Misty Rehder, 35, on 24 counts of animal cruelty following the discovery of dozens of dead dogs on a Mat-Su property. This indictment elevates the case to the felony level after investigators revised the death toll to 23 dogs.

She will be arraigned in Palmer Superior Court on May 6. The charges are only allegations and not evidence of guilt.

On April 15, the Alaska State Troopers (AST) assisted Mat-Su Borough Animal Control after reports of animal neglect in the Caswell Lakes area. Initially, AST had reported 25 deceased dogs were found on the property, before launching a criminal animal cruelty investigation. However, this number has since been revised to 23 dogs.

The Matanuska-Susitna Borough (MSB) later reported there were two surviving dogs--Woody and Birdie--who are currently under the care of MSB Animal Control.

Rehder, a Willow resident, was arrested on April 21 in connection with the discovery. “As part of the AST criminal investigation ... troopers arrested 35-year-old Willow resident Misty Rehder," the AST initially said. “She was remanded to Mat-Su Pretrial without incident.”

According to a press release from the Alaska Attorney General’s office, the Palmer District Attorney’s Office has received numerous inquiries from across the nation regarding this case. The Department of Law emphasizes that charging decisions are made individually, based on a thorough review of evidence and applicable law, and a determination that charges can be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. Based on this standard, charges have been filed against On Rehder.

Rehder is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which time the prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.