Second survivor found in Mat-Su dog cruelty case that left 25 sled dogs dead

Amidst the fallout of a harrowing animal cruelty case in the Caswell Lakes area, where 25 sled dogs were found dead, the Mat-Su Borough has identified a second surviving dog, “Birdie,” has been rescued, bringing a small glimmer of hope to a community demanding justice.

Alaska State Troopers (AST) previously announced that one dog, named "Woody," was found alive on the Willow property on April 15, 2026, and taken into borough care.

“There are no words to fully express how heavy our hearts are alongside with the community to learn that a second survivor was found,” wrote the Mat-Su Animal Shelter on social media. “(It) is the kind of moment that brings you to your knees in tears of gratitude.”

The shelter wrote that “Birdie” received care from Tier 1 Veterinary Medical Center, and there has been an amazing outpouring of support for “Woody” and now “Birdie.”

Initially, 25 dogs were found deceased on a property owned by 35-year-old Misty Rehder, with many reportedly frozen in place and still attached to neck lines. Preliminary findings suggest the animals died of starvation over several months in the frigid Alaska winter.

Rehder was arrested on Tuesday, April 21, and charged with 26 counts of animal cruelty, a Class C felony, as investigations continue into the shocking incident. Rehder appeared in court on Wednesday for her first arraignment, where a judge set her bail at $25,000. She faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison per count, if convicted. Her next court appearance is scheduled for May 4.

Months of Missed Opportunities

The discovery has sparked grief and outrage among the community. Residents who attended the April 21 Mat-Su Borough Assembly meeting described a system that failed to respond to repeated welfare reports dating back to January. Some community members shared that their attempts to provide food and water to the dogs were rebuffed by officials, who claimed these efforts impeded the active investigation

Dog musher and business owner Alyssa Busar testified to the assembly that she contacted Animal Control in January regarding the welfare of dogs left on the property. After reviewing video evidence of the conditions, officials told her they were giving Rehder time to supply food, straw, and shelter. When Busar offered to feed the animals herself, she was forbidden from doing so, with officials stating that feeding them would interfere with their ability to prove neglect.

Sarah Loreth said she placed calls not only to Animal Control, but the AKASPCA and the USDA, with no response from any agency. “We tried everything we possibly could via other agencies to try to get attention on these dogs,” she told the assembly. “And there was a clear failure there.”

“What happened in Caswell, it was not just tragic, but a preventable failure,” said veteran Iditarod musher Eric Kelly. He stated that when community intervention was ignored, it led to the tragic loss of the dogs and a breach of trust. He emphasized that acknowledgement is not enough, demanding immediate accountability, real consequences, and swift action. “In mushing, there’s no excuse for this. You show up every day for your dogs, or you don’t belong around dogs.”

Investigation and Borough Response

Following the revelations, the MSB has announced an independent, third-party review of their animal control department's procedures, admitting that despite multiple visits to the property in January, the response was insufficient to prevent the tragedy.

In his closing remarks during the April 21 meeting, Manager Brown addressed the public directly, saying:

“I’m asking for your patience to allow the investigation to run its course. Our Animal Care team cares deeply about animals and works every day with compassion and dedication. Please be civil. The cruelty done to these dogs does not justify mistreating others.”

“Woody’s Law”

Following the tragedy, the sled dog advocacy group Humane Mushing is urging the MSB and the state to take action, calling for the removal of special exemptions for sled dogs—specifically the "generally accepted mushing practices" exemption—to ensure all dogs receive full protection under animal cruelty laws. Their proposal, named "Woody’s Law," seeks to reclassify sled dogs as companion animals with working status, while guaranteeing good-faith reporting, emergency aid, and cooperation with authorities. Humane Mushing states this amendment is designed to eliminate statutory exemptions that currently allow for substandard care.