LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — More than 100 dogs were pulled from one man in Mesquite after police say they were found living in overcrowded, unsafe conditions.
Police say the case started with complaints but ended with a massive discovery. Dozens of dogs were packed into an RV, and even more were found later. Some were pregnant, and others were in urgent need of medical care.
MORE ON FOX5: Mesquite police recover 77 dogs from RV in animal welfare case
Jenny Boone lived across the street from the suspect, Giustino Laudando. She says she repeatedly called the police and animal control.
“The smell was horrendous, I mean horrible, I could sit in my back bedroom and smell it,” Boone said.
“You could hear the dogs barking, screaming, and crying, and I said, ‘ How many dogs do you have? ‘ and he said, ‘ Oh, about 10,” she said.
Months-long investigation leads to rescue
But investigators say it was far worse. In Mesquite, you can legally own three dogs. More than 100 dogs were eventually rescued after a months-long investigation.
“We knew it was an unlawful amount its just it takes a long time to get the evidence and information that we need to get the charges,” Sgt. Jaime Stout said.
Over months, police issued multiple citations for animal welfare violations. The suspect was arrested twice and eventually evicted from his home.
The suspect told authorities he would leave the state with the dogs. He didn’t. Instead, police say he vanished into the desert, keeping every single animal with him, until officers found him again.
“15 years, I’ve never seen anything like this. I’ve heard stories, but me personally, I’ve never seen anything like this,” Stout said.
77 dogs found in RV, more discovered later
Inside the RV, officers found 77 dogs packed into filthy, cramped conditions. Days later, when police returned, they found even more. Another 30 dogs were hidden away, bringing the total to more than 100, including newborn puppies born into those conditions.
“I want jail time. And I want him to be banned, both of them, from ever owning anything that has a heartbeat,” Boone said.
The Mesquite Animal Shelter is now caring for all of the dogs, but says they are overwhelmed and in desperate need of donations to help the animals heal and recover.
All of the dogs will need medical care, including vaccinations and spaying and neutering procedures. To help, you can contact the Mesquite Police Department’s records division at (702) 346-6911.
Copyright 2026 KVVU. All rights reserved.
