Las Vegas Dog Rescue Accused of Abuse, Selling Rescued Animals for Profit

Two employees arrested and charged with felony animal abuse after former worker reported disturbing training tactics

Apr. 8, 2026 at 3:35am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a dog collar with a shock mechanism, lit by a harsh camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually illustrating the disturbing training methods uncovered at the dog rescue facility.A harsh, gritty close-up of the equipment used in the alleged abuse at a Las Vegas dog rescue facility exposes the cruel tactics behind the business.Las Vegas Today

The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department has arrested two employees of the Working Dogs of Nevada dog rescue facility on felony charges of animal abuse. According to police, surveillance footage showed the employees using cruel training methods like shocking dogs with collars and lifting them by their leashes. Authorities also discovered the organization was selling rescued dogs for over $600 each and planning to expand their for-profit training business.

Why it matters

This case highlights the importance of oversight and accountability in the animal rescue industry. While many rescues do important work, this incident shows how some may prioritize profits over the welfare of the animals in their care. It also underscores the need for stronger laws and enforcement to protect vulnerable rescue animals from abuse.

The details

According to the arrest report, surveillance video showed John Johnstone and Tabitha Berube using abusive tactics to train the dogs at Working Dogs of Nevada. This included lifting dogs off the ground by their leashes and shocking them with collars when they did not follow commands. Police confiscated 35 dogs from the facility after receiving a tip from a former employee. Investigators also discovered the organization was selling the rescued dogs for over $600 each and planning to expand their for-profit training business.

  • In March, police received several videos from a former employee showing the alleged abuse.
  • After reviewing the footage, police served a search warrant and arrested Johnstone and Berube on April 6, 2026.

The players

John Johnstone

An employee at Working Dogs of Nevada who was arrested and charged with felony animal abuse.

Tabitha Berube

An employee at Working Dogs of Nevada who was arrested and charged with felony animal abuse.

Working Dogs of Nevada

A Las Vegas-based dog rescue organization that is accused of abusing animals in its care and selling them for profit.

Sergeant William Gethefer

A Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department officer who investigated the case and described the disturbing training tactics used at Working Dogs of Nevada.

Detective Nancy Leyva

A Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department officer who works in the Animal Cruelty Division and is dedicated to addressing animal abuse in the city.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“You have to look at, is this outside of the scope of practice? Is this bad training tactics or is this just straight cruelty? To us, it was outside of training practices. It was straight-up cruelty.”

— Sergeant William Gethefer, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department

“If you see something that's so cruel and don't do anything about it, the REBA law says as a bystander, because you've failed to do anything, you are partaking in the crime. You are partaking in the cruelty act.”

— Detective Nancy Leyva, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Animal Cruelty Division

What’s next

Authorities are now focused on ensuring the rescued dogs receive proper care and are eventually placed in safe, loving homes. The two employees charged with animal abuse are awaiting trial.

The takeaway

This disturbing case highlights the need for stronger oversight and accountability in the animal rescue industry to prevent abuse and exploitation. It serves as a reminder that the public must remain vigilant and report any suspected cruelty to protect vulnerable rescue animals.