The Chandler Police Department asked the public for help Thursday after a district attorney returned a case to CPD involving animal abuse allegations.

In a statement, Chandler Police said the department is continuing to investigate a case of animal abuse.

"We are requesting assistance from the public regarding the Special Needs Animal Welfare League (SNAWL) rescue operated out of a home in Chandler," police said. "Police investigators are requesting that any citizen, rescue organization, or veterinary professionals with knowledge of the dogs prior to being adopted out to SNAWL, contact the police to provide additional assistance."

Chandler Police specifically request any photos and veterinary records of the animals before they were in SNAWLS's custody to document each animal's condition prior to being placed in the shelter's care.

Multiple media outlets reported this week that the office of Maricopa County District Attorney Rachel Mitchell sent the case back to Chandler police in order for more evidence to be included.  

April McLaughlin, 48, who lives in the 1700 block of East Kesler Lane, was arrested Friday, Sept. 22, after a veterinary professional provided new information on the conditions of three animals from her home. She was initially charged with 55 counts of animal abuse and was jailed but was released after the DA returned the case to Chandler Police.

Chandler Police said Thursday its investigators are asking for contact from anyone who donated money to any of McLaughlin's rescues.

"We will be asking for additional information regarding the rescue name, web link, date(s), donation amount, and supporting documentation," police said in the news release. 

The department has set up an email address dedicated exclusively to people who can provide the documentation needed in any aspect of the investigation.  That address is  specialinvestigation@chandleraz.gov.

"We understand that many citizens are concerned about this investigation, but we request that only those with information that can assist our investigation contact us at this email address," police said.

We’d like to invite our readers to submit their civil comments, pro or con, on this issue. Email AZOpinions@iniusa.org