Probe Begins with Employee Tip (Image Credits: Unsplash)
Las Vegas — A twist has emerged in a local animal cruelty investigation as one of two employees charged with abusing dogs at a rescue facility faces federal immigration detention. John Johnstone, accused of using shock collars and swinging a pitbull by its leash, was revealed to be held by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement during a court hearing this week. His co-defendant disclosed the development, raising questions about the case’s progression.[1][2]
Probe Begins with Employee Tip
Las Vegas police launched their investigation on March 4 after a former employee at Working Dogs of Nevada Rescue contacted authorities. The facility, located at 7331 W. Lake Mead Blvd. in northwest Las Vegas, specialized in rehabilitating dogs facing euthanasia due to behavioral issues. Kerrigan Toms, the whistleblower, captured videos showing what she described as excessive force during training sessions.[2][3]
Officers served a search warrant on March 5 and seized 35 dogs from the site. The animals, many wearing shock collars including puppies in kennels, went to The Animal Foundation and City of Las Vegas Animal Protection Services for medical evaluations. Toms later explained her silence during the incidents stemmed from a need to gather evidence.[4]
Disturbing Videos Detail Alleged Abuses
Surveillance and cell phone footage formed the core of the evidence against Johnstone, 38, of North Las Vegas. Police reports described him lifting dogs by their collars or leashes until their front paws left the ground. One large dog named Marmaduke cried out as Johnstone constricted the collar, while Jeb whined during a session where Johnstone held a presumed shock collar remote.[2]
The most vivid incident involved a white pitbull named Dottie. Johnstone lifted her abruptly into the air and swung her by the leash, leaving her flailing airborne. He reached toward his pocket, possibly for the shock remote, after she appeared to nip at him. Another dog, Turbo, writhed on the floor as if reacting to a shock before lying down. Reports also noted Johnstone attempting to kick dogs and using multiple collars, including prongs and shocks, on the animals.[3][4]
Co-Defendant’s Role and Statements
Tabitha Berube, 32, of Las Vegas, faced a single count of animal cruelty for allegedly witnessing abuses without intervening. Police noted her presence during several incidents, including one where she reportedly remarked that staff had kicked dogs for not listening. Both defendants were arrested around April 1 and released after posting bond.[2]
The rescue’s manager told investigators the organization aimed to train aggressive dogs for adoption, often selling them for over $600. Berube’s court appearance marked a pivotal update in the proceedings.[1]
What matters now: ICE detention could delay local prosecution, leaving the status of charges against Johnstone uncertain amid ongoing reviews by prosecutors.
Immigration Twist Complicates Proceedings
During a virtual status check hearing on April 29, Berube informed the court that Johnstone, a Scottish citizen, had been detained by ICE. Online records confirmed the hold, though his exact location remained undisclosed. Prosecutors requested more time to review evidence and consider additional charges, with the next hearing set for June 24.[1]
Federal authorities did not immediately respond to inquiries about Johnstone’s status. The development halts his participation in the local case, potentially affecting timelines for resolution.[4]
The seizures and arrests underscore persistent challenges in overseeing animal rescues, where rehabilitation efforts sometimes cross into mistreatment. As the dogs recover under city care, the focus shifts to accountability across jurisdictions.
