LAS VEGAS — In a month-long investigation into animal abuse at the rescue organization Working Dogs of Nevada, two employees were arrested. One employee, Tabitha Berube, appeared virtually in court for a status hearing on Wednesday. She reported that the other employee, John Johnstone, is currently detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This was confirmed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s online detainee database. Johnstone, a Scottish citizen, faces multiple animal abuse charges along with Berube. Both were released after posting bond earlier this month.
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An arrest report indicates that Johnstone was recorded attempting to kick a dog and dragging others by their leashes. Berube was arrested for allegedly witnessing one incident involving a dog without intervening. Following John's arrest, ICE issued a detainer at the Clark County Detention Center, and he was transferred to ICE custody the next day.
Additional evidence of abuse involving shock and prong collars was provided to police by a former employee of the rescue. Prosecutors requested more time to review the details of the case as they consider adding further charges against both individuals. A subsequent hearing is scheduled for June 24.
Animal advocate John Waudby, founder of Nevada Animal Advocates and involved in the passage of Reba’s Law, attended the hearing to demonstrate community support for accountability in animal cruelty cases. He emphasized the importance of this law, which imposes harsher penalties for animal abuse. Waudby expressed disappointment that the rescue previously trusted to care for animals is now facing allegations of neglect and abuse.
A petition on Change.org is circulating, calling for the maximum punishment for the accused, reflecting community frustration over such cases potentially being overlooked.