LAS VEGAS — A judge confirmed that John Johnstone, a dog trainer associated with Working Dogs of Nevada, has been deported, leading prosecutors to drop an animal abuse charge against a second employee, Tabitha Berube. Earlier this year, Las Vegas police arrested both individuals following allegations of animal abuse at the training and rescue facility.
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Reports surfaced after a former employee provided video footage to FOX5, purportedly showing Johnstone dragging a dog and making aggressive movements towards it. In court, the judge noted that Johnstone is now in Scotland after being deported on May 4, as confirmed by ICE officials. Surveillance video reportedly showed him engaging in abusive training practices at the facility, which claimed to rehabilitate and rehome dogs. According to court records, three out of four animal abuse charges against Johnstone were dismissed.
The charge against Berube was dropped as well, with the Clark County District Attorney's Office stating it was due to "insufficient evidence." Berube was not present in court when the charge was dismissed; however, she had previously appeared via Zoom for an April hearing. Police indicated that Berube witnessed the alleged abuse but did not intervene.
Supporters of Reba’s Law, aimed at strengthening penalties for animal abuse in Nevada, expressed their frustration with the legal outcomes. John Waudby, founder of Nevada Animal Advocates, criticized the dismissal, stating that Berube’s inaction made her complicit.
The facility, Working Dogs of Nevada, has since shut down, and the dogs that were under its care have been relocated to The Animal Foundation, where they have been either adopted, transferred to other rescues, or returned to their owners.