LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – The bulldog left to die in a sealed plastic bin this summer sparked outrage throughout Southern Nevada and around the world, animal lovers uniting in cries for “Justice for Reba.” After an exhaustive search for whoever was responsible, Metro arrested two suspects last weekend. The pair could serve one to four years in prison or probation.
District Attorney Steve Wolfson says that the penalty is not nearly harsh enough, but it is the law. At a news conference, Wolfson urged lawmakers to change it. One lawmaker is now answering that call filing the paperwork this week to introduce a bill during the upcoming legislative session.
Assemblywoman Melissa Hardy, who represents Assembly District 22 in Henderson, is an animal lover at heart, left heartbroken by the suffering Reba endured before she died.
“I was like, devastated….It sickened me,”
Advocating for animals and working with rescue groups through the Vegas Valley, Hardy was not surprised by the extreme case of animal cruelty.
“We hear about the big cases, the major ones like Reba but this happens a lot more than we know,” Hardy contended.
Elected in 2018, Hardy has proposed animal welfare bills for each legislative session. Hardy’s most recent proposal, an animal abuser registry that pet stores and shelters could refer to before adopting out animals, did not make it to the governor’s desk.
For the upcoming session, Hardy filed paperwork this week to bring a new animal cruelty bill seeking increased penalties for those who abuse, neglect, or kill animals.
“We need to strengthen them. You know, a lot of them are misdemeanors and then…maybe by the fourth time that an individual commits a crime, now it’s a felony. But you know, in the meantime they’ve caused all this harm,” Hardy argued.
One of her constituents created the website JusticeforReba.org helping the search of the dog’s killers grab national attention. It was the creator of the website who suggested the name of Assemblywoman Hardy’s legislation.
“They wanted it to be called Reba’s Bill and I would love that…this poor little dog that was abused and eventually lost her life,” Hardy shared.
DA Wolfson says after the arrests of the two suspect last weekend, he’s gotten hundreds of calls from around the world and Clark County showing how many people want change.
“In my heart, I believe we all don’t want to see innocent animals being abused and killed so. So where can we come together and get something passed?,” Hardy questioned.
Reba’s Bill is still being drafted. The 2025 Legislative Session begin in February. FOX5 will keep you updated.
As for both of the suspects charged in Reba’s death, they remain in jail. Isaac Laushaul Jr. is being held without bond. Markeisha Foster on a $50,000 bond. Both are scheduled to appear in court December 23rd.
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