LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — An investigation by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) into animal cruelty has resulted in the arrests of a dog trainer and an employee associated with Working Dogs of Nevada Rescue. The trainer, John Johnstone, allegedly employed excessive and harmful training methods on multiple dogs at the facility located near Lake Mead and Tenaya.
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According to an arrest report, a newly hired employee named Kerrigan Toms expressed concerns about the training practices, stating that what she observed did not seem right. She recorded a video on February 24, which showed a dog being dragged and Johnstone kicking toward the animal. Toms explained to FOX5’s Victoria Saha her decision to film the incident, saying she felt compelled to gather evidence against the abuse.
The police confirmed that the trainer in the video was Johnstone and identified the dog, Turbo, as the one involved. Following Toms' evidence, officers cited Johnstone for "injury and overwork" and took Turbo into protective custody. Authorities noted that Johnstone's training exceeded reasonable boundaries and caused unnecessary suffering. Additionally, Tabitha Berube, another employee at the rescue, was arrested for allegedly witnessing an incident involving a dog without intervening.
Detectives obtained a search warrant for the center’s surveillance footage, which reportedly shows the use of shock collars and aggressive leash handling. The arrest report includes still images from these videos. One instance highlights a dog named Jeb, who was reportedly lifted by the leash to the point where his front paws were off the ground, leading him to react as if he was being shocked.
Another allegation involves a white pit bull named Dottie; the footage allegedly shows Johnstone lifting her by the leash and swinging her when she failed to respond to commands. Berube was said to be present during this incident as well.
Attempts by FOX5 to reach the management at Working Dogs of Nevada were unsuccessful. The facility's manager, noted to be the owner's son, informed investigators that the business specializes in dealing with challenging dogs that might otherwise face euthanasia, aiming for their training and adoption.
As a result of the investigation, LVMPD and City of Las Vegas officials executed an emergency shutdown of the facility, leading to the transfer of 35 dogs to City of Las Vegas Animal Protection Services. Reports indicate that shock collars were found on numerous dogs, including puppies.
Johnstone and Berube were arrested on April 1 and opted not to speak with investigators without legal representation. Both have since posted bail and are scheduled to return to court on April 29.