Indiana Animal Rescue Operator Charged with Felony Animal Torture, Fraud
An animal rescue operator in Butler, Indiana, Kayla Dillenburg, has been charged with felony animal torture and fraud. Authorities allege she strangled a dog named Motley, profited from donor pledges meant for its care, and deceived donors by claiming the…
Terre Haute, IN, October 31, 2026 — An animal rescue operator based in Butler, Indiana, has been charged with felony offenses related to animal torture and fraud. The operator, identified as Kayla Dillenburg, faces allegations stemming from the death of a dog named Motley.
Authorities have stated that Dillenburg is accused of strangling the dog. Further allegations include profiting from donations that were specifically pledged for Motley’s care. Investigators also claim that Dillenburg deceived donors by providing a false cause of death for the animal. It is alleged that donors were informed the dog died from pneumonia.
However, according to the allegations, Dillenburg admitted to the dog’s death by strangulation in a recorded conversation. In this call, she is reported to have said, “choked that dog out.” The specific timeline of these events, the total amount of donor funds allegedly misappropriated, and the exact dates of the alleged crimes were not detailed in the provided summary. The outcome of the legal proceedings against Dillenburg has not yet been specified.
Story summarized from the original created by Tom Powell, Jordan Gartner on www.wthitv.com, see more information here.
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