LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — A new dog training business, Nevada Canine, has been approved to operate at the location previously occupied by Working Dogs of Nevada, which was shut down following an animal cruelty investigation five months ago. The new facility is situated near Lake Mead Boulevard and Tenaya Way.
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Owner Zachary Dickmeyer has confirmed that he previously served as a manager at Working Dogs of Nevada but stated he was not involved in the operations that drew scrutiny. He has not faced charges related to the investigation. Dickmeyer emphasized that Nevada Canine is a separate entity and requested the community to give his new business a chance, despite concerns regarding his prior affiliation.
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department’s Animal Cruelty Section executed a search warrant at Working Dogs of Nevada on April 1, investigating allegations of training methods that could be classified as felony animal cruelty. Reports indicated incidents such as dogs being lifted by leashes and excessive use of electronic collars.
During the investigation, two employees were arrested, and 35 dogs were found in the facility. Among these dogs were Momma Angel and Sarg, who were later rescued by animal advocate Sarah Randles. Randles expressed deep concerns over the reopening of a dog training business at the same location, questioning the accountability of those involved with the previous facility.
Initially, the City of Las Vegas denied Nevada Canine’s business license application submitted by Dickmeyer on April 28, just weeks after the raid. Upon appeal, the city granted a six-month temporary license with several conditions. Dickmeyer is allowed to set policies for the business, but day-to-day operations will be overseen by designated manager Shelly Logan. Notably, Terry Davis, the former license holder of Working Dogs of Nevada, is prohibited from participating in any capacity at Nevada Canine.
The city has indicated that non-compliance with the imposed conditions could result in the revocation of Nevada Canine's license. The facility is set to undergo close monitoring during its six-month temporary licensing period, with the possibility of further renewals depending on its compliance with city regulations and inspection criteria.
Despite the safeguards in place, Randles remains skeptical about the operation of Nevada Canine and plans to protest outside the facility next weekend. Dickmeyer, in response, urged the community to evaluate Nevada Canine based on its future performance rather than past actions related to Working Dogs of Nevada.