LAS VEGAS — Metro police arrested John Johnstone and Tabitha Berube at Working Dogs of Nevada last week on charges of animal abuse, resulting in the confiscation of 35 dogs from the facility. The arrests follow an investigation sparked by videos provided by former employee Kerrigan Toms.
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Toms worked as a kennel technician at Working Dogs of Nevada for two days in February before being terminated, reportedly for filming questionable training practices. She described the conditions inside the facility as horrific.
In one of the videos, Toms recorded a dog wearing multiple collars, including two shock collars and a prong collar. She noted that the dog was visibly distressed, screaming as it was dragged along the floor. Toms reported witnessing a trainer kicking toward the dog in the footage, which she found deeply troubling.
Metro police received information regarding potential animal cruelty and used Toms' videos as evidence in their investigation. According to the arrest report, surveillance footage showed Johnstone lifting dogs by their collars and using shock collars to compel obedience.
Toms expressed her desire to intervene during the abusive training but felt it was necessary to gather proof for the investigation. She was present when police confiscated the dogs.
"I accomplished something bigger than I ever expected to," Toms stated.
The facility's business license has been suspended as both Johnstone and Berube posted bail and are scheduled to appear in court later this month. Working Dogs of Nevada and Berube did not respond to requests for comment.