Indiana Rescue Operator Charged with Strangling Dog to Steal Donor Funds
Kayla Dillenburg, a 30-year-old woman from Butler, Indiana, faces felony charges for allegedly strangling a rescue dog named Motley to defraud donors. Dillenburg, who operated Welcome Home Canine Rescue, is accused of pulling 21 dogs from Indianapolis Animal Care & Control in late April, specifically targeting animals with high public donation pledges. Investigators claim she killed Motley on the day she retrieved him, then continued to collect money by falsely claiming he was alive and awaiting adoption. A recorded admission in which she states she 'choked that dog out' forms the basis of the torture charge.
Key points
- Kayla Dillenburg is charged with felony animal torture and fraud in DeKalb County, Indiana.
- She allegedly pulled 21 dogs from Indianapolis Animal Care & Control between April 19 and 29, 2026.
- The dog Motley died on April 28, the same day Dillenburg retrieved him, according to veterinary records.
- Dillenburg admitted to strangling Motley in a recorded phone call with a former friend.
- She pleaded not guilty at a hearing on October 30, 2026, and was released on her own recognizance.
Background
This case involves the exploitation of social media donation platforms used to save shelter animals. While previous archive articles cover unrelated criminal trials, this incident highlights a specific pattern of fraud where operators exploit donor empathy for financial gain. The case follows a broader trend of scrutiny regarding private rescue organizations and their accountability to public donors.
How outlets are covering it
21Alive News and NewsChannel 10 both report on the core facts of the case, including the charges and the recorded admission. NewsChannel 10 provides additional detail on the legal proceedings, noting Dillenburg's plea of not guilty and her release on her own recognizance. Both outlets emphasize the discrepancy between Dillenburg's claim that Motley died of pneumonia and the veterinary records showing his death on the day of retrieval. NewsChannel 10 also highlights the uncertainty surrounding the other 20 dogs, noting that only four had verified paperwork, while 21Alive focuses more on the initial scheme and the specific admission of guilt.
Why it matters
This case raises significant concerns about the integrity of animal rescue organizations and the vulnerability of donors to fraud. It underscores the need for stricter oversight of private rescues that pull animals from public shelters, particularly when large sums of money are involved. The incident also highlights the importance of veterinary records in verifying the fate of animals in private care.
What to watch
Dillenburg is scheduled to appear in court again in January 2027. Investigators are continuing to look into the status of the other 20 dogs she pulled from the shelter. The case may lead to increased scrutiny of private rescue organizations and their financial practices.
- “I choked that dog out”: DeKalb Co. woman accused of killing rescue dog to pocket pledges WPTA | 21Alive | Fort Wayne, IN
- ‘I choked that dog out’: Woman accused in dog adoption scam WANE 15
- 'I’ll just be honest, I choked that dog out.' | Woman charged for allegedly killing dog rescued from IACS, pocketing donations wthr.com
- Animal welfare advocate speaks out after woman arrested for dog adoption scam Fox 59
- ‘I choked that dog out’: Rescue operator charged with felony animal torture NewsChannel 10
Want the full story? Read the original reporting
Read on WPTA | 21Alive | Fort Wayne, IN