Shock collar at center of dog trainer’s animal cruelty case, police say

Allegations of animal cruelty at a northwest Las Vegas dog rescue involve what police described as a trainer accused of repeatedly using an electric shock collar, and lifting dogs off the ground by the collar, to gain compliance during training.

Last week, the Metropolitan Police Department and animal control served a search warrant at Working Dogs of Nevada Rescue, 7331 W. Lake Mead Blvd. Police said they confiscated 35 dogs from the rescue because of training that rose to the level of animal abuse at the facility.

Two employees at the business, John Johnstone, 38, of North Las Vegas, and Tabitha Berube, 32, of Las Vegas, were arrested on suspicion of animal cruelty. Johnstone was arrested on four counts while Berube was arrested on a single count.

A criminal complaint in the case had not been filed as of Monday. Las Vegas Justice Court records do not list an attorney for either, and calls to Working Dogs of Nevada seeking comment have not been returned.

A police report for Johnstone obtained Monday indicates a witness told police Johnstone used a shock collar on dogs as they were being trained. Some of the episodes in question were captured on video.

“John Johnstone is observed on video surveillance of the business far exceeding what is reasonable for training and Tabitha Berube is complicit, witnessing the incident without intervening,” police wrote in an arrest report.

Police said they first learned of the abuse accusations on March 4 when they were contacted by a former employee of the rescue. In one video obtained by police, detectives said a dog named Jeb is pictured as he is being handled by Johnstone.

“Jeb can be heard whining, and Johnstone is holding a black object in his hand,” police said. “This is presumed to be a remote for a shock collar that he is utilizing for the purpose of the training.”

Police said another video shows a large dog named Marmaduke also crying as he paces around Johnstone. Johnstone can be heard saying “What is wrong with you?” during the episode.

“Johnstone does lift Marmaduke with the leash, constricting the collar and pulling him up until his front feet are no longer touching the ground,” police said.

More video retrieved by police shows Johnstone working with a pit bull named Dottie, detectives said.

“Johnstone abruptly lifts Dottie up into the air and swings her by the leash,” police said. “She is entirely airborne, flailing as Johnstone completes a full spin. She seems to bounce off the ground before returning to her rear legs only for Johnstone to continue swinging her. Johnstone appears to reach into his pocket, presumably to access the remote for the shock collar as there is a black strap visible.”

Police said it was possible the dog nipped Johnstone, prompting his reaction.

In another incident, police said they have video of Johnstone working with a black dog named Turbo.

“Turbo begins to writhe, seemingly in reaction to being shocked by the collar,” police said. “Turbo skitters for a moment on the slick flooring before coming to a laying position beside Johnstone.”

A manager of the shelter told police the rescue takes in dogs that are set to be euthanized for behavioral and aggression issues, then trains them for the purpose of rehabilitating them.

The dogs confiscated by police were taken to The Animal Foundation in Las Vegas for shelter and treatment.

Police said in an unrelated case, they confiscated at least 17 dogs last week from a Las Vegas man’s home. In that case, Jason Stuckey, 53, of Las Vegas, was also arrested on animal cruelty charges.

Contact Glenn Puit at gpuit@reviewjournal.com.