Sign: 25 Sled Dogs Starved to Death at Kennel Following Months of Complaints

Published: April 26, 2026 at 02:54 PM Author: Animal Welfare Investigative Writer & Petition Author

Authorities say the husky mixes likely starved after being abandoned without food, shelter, or basic care. Concerned individuals, including local mushers and community members, say that serious neglect had been reported to Mat-Su Animal Control months before the dogs were discovered, but no meaningful action was taken, and 25 dogs died as a result.

Now, 35-year-old Misty Rehder has been arrested and charged with 26 counts of animal cruelty.

But the tragedy does not end with one arrest. Multiple sources indicate that this suffering was known and ongoing. It is alleged that animal control officials claimed the situation was being taken care of, but clearly it was not.

One individual claims she attempted to bring food and straw to the dogs, only to be turned away by an animal control officer. If true, it begs the question, why did animal control officials fail to take meaningful action?

Make no mistake, these dogs suffered. Death by starvation is excruciating. Worse yet, their situation was known, but they were still allowed to die a slow and agonizing death.

Decision Makers

• Matanuska-Susitna Borough District Attorney’s Office
• Borough Manager, Mike Brown
• Borough Mayor Edna Devries
• Mat-Su Animal Care and Regulation

If you are outraged by what these dogs endured, and by the fact that their suffering was reportedly known but not stopped, please add your name to this petition today. These dogs were not invisible. People spoke up. Warnings were given. There were opportunities to intervene.

Your signature is a demand for accountability. More than from just the person facing 26 counts of animal cruelty, but also for the system that failed to act when it mattered most. 

Why This Petition Matters

Misty Rehder must be held fully accountable for the prolonged suffering and deaths of these dogs. This was preventable cruelty, and the consequences must reflect that. But accountability cannot stop there. Reports of neglect were made well before these dogs died. If those warnings were ignored, then a serious failure occurred within the system meant to protect them. Animal Victory and its supporters demand a full, transparent review of how this case was handled, and a demand for any necessary changes to ensure this never happens again.

These dogs should not have died, and someone must answer for that.

Animal-Protection-Laws-of-Alaska-2020-Animal-Legal-Defense-Fund

Note: Rehder was arrested and appeared in court virtually for her alleged 26 counts of Class C felony level- animal cruelty, with each charge carrying a maximum of 5 years in prison and $50,000 fine. Her bail is set at $25,000. May 4 is her next scheduled court date; to decide a third-party custodian, she also has eviction court set on the 5th.
Alaska Statute 11.61.140(a)(1), which covers knowingly inflicting “severe or prolonged physical pain or suffering” on an animal is the specifically listed complaint filed and supported by the Alaskan State Troopers affidavit.

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Based on reports from authorities, details may change. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Images may be illustrative.