Mat-Su animal control ignored dozens of warnings before 23 kennel dogs starved

In April 2026 Alaska State Troopers found 23 dogs starved to death at a licensed kennel near Caswell Lakes; the owner was indicted on 24 felony animal cruelty counts and has pleaded not guilty. A 95-page independent review for the Matanuska-Susitna Borough by attorney Richard Payne, released June 18, found residents had contacted the borough dozens of times since January, that Animal Control Officer Joseph Dickenson closed the case in early February without examining the dogs, and that Chief Matthew Hardwig dismissed phone and anonymous complaints and failed to enforce training. It counted 14 code or policy violations and recommended both men be relieved of duty. Dickenson resigned in May. Hardwig kept his job and received formal discipline. Borough Manager Mike Brown ordered 13 operational changes and the Assembly created an advisory board to review kennel standards.

No outcome recorded yet.