Willow woman arrested on 26 counts of animal cruelty

The Alaska State Troopers (AST) have made an arrest in the shocking case of animal cruelty after 25 sled dogs were found dead at a property in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough (MSB), highlighting a horrific scene of suspected neglect and abandonment.

On April 21, AST arrested 35-year-old Willow resident Misty Rehder on 26 counts of Cruelty to Animals. She was remanded to Mat-Su Pretrial without incident, according to an AST press release.

On Wednesday, April 15, AST and Mat-Su Borough Animal Control responded to a residential property in the Caswell Lakes area, just north of Willow, following reports of deceased animals.

Investigators discovered the bodies of 25 dogs, many of which were still tethered to posts near plastic barrel dog houses, according to a witness who visited the scene.

The discovery comes after months of complaints from neighbors and local mushers who reported concerns about the care of the dogs to the MSB’s animal control office. According to reports, one dog was found alive on the property and rescued.

The owners of the property, who allegedly ran a kennel named "Walker’s Wild Ride," did not respond to requests for comment.

MSB Animal Control released a statement on the surviving dog, Woody, saying that he is currently in their care and receiving veterinary support, including a carefully managed refeeding program and consultation with external veterinarians.

"At this time, he is stable and showing early signs of improvement.”

They say that their focus remains on Woody’s care and cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation.

MSB Manager Mike Brown released a statement acknowledging the reports and numerous public comments regarding the recent deaths.

“We recognize how difficult and heartbreaking this is for our community, and we share in the concern many residents are feeling. This matter remains an active Alaska State Trooper investigation and the Borough will continue to assist in any way possible.”

He said that they are listening to the community’s expectation that the Borough must do better in fulfilling its responsibility to protect animals and intervene. “I agree, we must do better. We will be evaluating how to improve our responses and involvement.”

The Borough began an internal investigation immediately, and will initiate an external independent review of their actions and protocols to ensure that there are clear, effective systems in place to protect animals while also respecting the rights of our residents. The findings and recommendations from that review will be shared publicly when completed.

The incident has sparked fresh debate within Alaska regarding animal cruelty protections, as sled dogs are sometimes exempted from certain regulations.

This is a developing story.