Las Vegas Dog Rescue Faces Abuse Allegations

Trainer and employee arrested after videos and surveillance footage show alleged use of shock collars and forceful leash handling.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 8:12pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a dog's shock collar against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the alleged abuse and cruelty at the dog rescue facility.Surveillance footage allegedly shows the use of shock collars and forceful leash handling at a Las Vegas dog rescue, sparking an investigation and arrests.Las Vegas Today

A Las Vegas dog rescue called Working Dogs of Nevada Rescue is under investigation after a former employee's cellphone videos and surveillance footage allegedly showed the use of excessive and harmful training methods, including shock collars and forceful leash handling, on multiple dogs at the facility. Police have arrested the dog trainer, John Johnstone, and an employee, Tabitha Berube, in connection with the alleged abuse.

Why it matters

Animal cruelty and abuse allegations at pet rescue organizations can severely damage public trust and lead to increased scrutiny and regulation of the industry. This case highlights the need for stronger oversight and accountability measures to ensure the humane treatment of rescue animals.

The details

According to the arrest report, detectives allege that Johnstone's actions went beyond what was reasonable for training and caused unnecessary suffering to the dogs. Berube was also arrested for allegedly witnessing an incident involving a dog and failing to intervene. Authorities later contacted the business for an emergency shutdown, and 35 dogs were transferred to the care of the City of Las Vegas Animal Protection Services.

  • On April 1, 2026, Johnstone and Berube were taken into custody.
  • Johnstone and Berube are due back in court on April 29, 2026.

The players

John Johnstone

A dog trainer at Working Dogs of Nevada Rescue who was arrested for allegedly using excessive and harmful training methods on multiple dogs at the facility.

Tabitha Berube

An employee at Working Dogs of Nevada Rescue who was arrested for allegedly witnessing an incident involving a dog and failing to intervene.

Working Dogs of Nevada Rescue

A dog rescue organization in Las Vegas that is under investigation for alleged animal abuse and cruelty.

Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD)

The police department that conducted the animal-cruelty investigation and made the arrests.

City of Las Vegas Animal Protection Services

The agency that took custody of the 35 dogs transferred from the Working Dogs of Nevada Rescue facility.

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What’s next

Johnstone and Berube are due back in court on April 29, 2026, where a judge will determine if they will face further legal action.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for stronger oversight and accountability measures in the pet rescue industry to ensure the humane treatment of animals. It also underscores the importance of whistleblowers and surveillance footage in exposing potential animal abuse.