LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — Animal advocates gathered today to protest a new dog training facility that opened at the location of a former rescue at the center of an animal abuse investigation.
Investigation into former rescue
Video taken in February by a former employee at Working Dogs of Nevada showed a trainer appear to drag a dog and kick his foot toward it. Two employees were arrested and accused of animal abuse. The trainer in the video was deported. Prosecutors declined to pursue charges against the other employee.
Working Dogs of Nevada shut down following the investigation. All dogs at the facility were taken to other rescues, returned to their owners, or found new homes.
New facility opens at same location
The Nevada Canine Training Academy has opened its doors in the same spot as Working Dogs of Nevada. Dozens of protesters turned out against the facility and its owner, who has ties to the previous rescue.
Among them was John Waudby, founder of Nevada Animal Advocates. He has been raising awareness of animal cruelty cases in the valley and was a supporter of Reba’s Law, which increases the penalties for animal abuse.
“It’s just a nonstop scene of animal abuse in Las Vegas,” Waudby said. “And with Reba’s Law, we’re not going to let it. We’re not going to stand by and just let these guys just abuse our animals.”
Owner responds
The owner of the new facility, Zachary Dickmeyer, shared a statement with FOX5.
“I previously served as president of Working Dogs of Nevada Rescue. I later stepped away from that position and no longer held any leadership or operational responsibilities with the organization. After stepping down, my involvement was limited to occasionally volunteering my time to assist with adoption events,” Dickmeyer said.
“I have never been charged with or convicted of animal cruelty. Nevada Canine Training Academy is a separate business with its own ownership, operations, and purpose. I am the sole owner of Nevada Canine, and none of our current employees worked for Working Dogs of Nevada Rescue,” he said.
“Our focus is providing professional dog training and responsible care for every dog entrusted to us. We expect everyone associated with Nevada Canine to meet our standards for the humane, responsible, and professional treatment of animals,” Dickmeyer said.
“I respect everyone’s right to peacefully express their concerns. At the same time, I believe Nevada Canine should be evaluated based on accurate information, our current operations, and the standard of care we provide. My priority is and will continue to be the safety and well-being of the dogs in our care and providing our clients with professional, responsible service,” he said.
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