Rescue Operator Pleads Not Guilty in Dog Killing

Kayla Dillenburg, 30, entered a not guilty plea on Friday in DeKalb County, Indiana. She was released on her own recognizance and is scheduled to appear in court again in January 2027. The case centers on the death of a dog named Motley and the handling of $925 in public pledges raised for his rescue.

Dillenburg operated Welcome Home Canine Rescue from her residence in Butler. Court documents state she pulled 21 dogs from Indianapolis Animal Care Services (IACS) over a ten-day period in late April. Investigators allege she targeted animals that had high financial pledges from social media donors. The investigation began in May after an IACS volunteer coordinator noted that transferred dogs had gone missing and the rescue's social media accounts were taken offline.

The felony charge of torture or mutilation of a vertebrate animal is based on evidence regarding Motley. Records indicate Dillenburg picked up the dog on April 28 and dropped him off for cremation that same day. She told an Indianapolis donor that Motley was alive and had an approved adoption. Investigators concluded she deceived the donor into paying for care after the animal was already dead. Dillenburg claimed to police that Motley died of pneumonia at her home, though no medical records support that diagnosis.

DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control Officer Erika Hedge filed the affidavit of probable cause. Hedge stated, “I believe Kayla Dillenburg has knowingly, intentionally, and recklessly tortured and/or mutilated a dog in her care because, by her own admission, as stated in a recorded conversation, she strangled Motley to death.” Hedge also charged Dillenburg with fraud for obtaining dogs from IACS to profit from their pledges.

A former friend provided details on the alleged scheme. According to court documents, Dillenburg approached the friend in April with a plan to make money by rescuing dogs with high pledges. In a recorded phone call, Dillenburg told the friend she “choked that dog out” after claiming he went after her child.

Questions remain about the other 20 dogs acquired during that period. Court records show IACS received paperwork for only four of the 21 animals. Dillenburg told police that a mother dog and her puppies were placed with a rescue in Michigan, but investigators have not seen paperwork to verify the claim. Hedge said the investigation remains active and she has received numerous calls from people with additional information.

A public defender has been appointed to represent Dillenburg in the ongoing case.