LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – The search continues for a missing Las Vegas veterinarian Tuesday.
The family of Dr. Shawn Frehner told FOX5 he went missing after a video circulated on social media of him treating a horse.
That horse is named Big Red. He is a wild mustang out of Pahrump.
Videos allegedly show Frehner pulling on the horse’s rope and then kicked it while it was already down.
“I was very appalled. Very shocked. That is why I went into a complete anxiety attack and had a seizure when i saw it,” said owner Shawna Gonzalez said.
Gonzalez filmed the videos from inside her home.
“I did my due diligence to protect my horse and I will do it again,” Gonzalez said.
Gonzalez tells FOX5 she has used Frehner since last August and has never had an issue with him until Thursday.
She said Frehner was at her Pahrump property to perform a castration on the hor. However, the sedatives did not take effect right away.
Victoria Saha: So Shawna, when you, your daughter and your mom saw all this unfold, why didn’t someone go out there and tell him to stop what he was doing?
Gonzalez: Because I was on the floor having a seizure. My family was dealing with me before anything else. That may sound harsh for the horse, but if I’m not here then nobody can protect the horse.
Meanwhile, Frehner defended his actions, Gonzalez shared a post that is now deleted on his social media account. He spoke about the horse being dangerous.
“I thought it was wise for my safety to reach over with my foot and hit him on the cheek hard enough to startle him so that he would get up again or at least start breathing again. When I did that, he turned into my foot and I did kick him directly in the chin,” part of the statement said.
However, since FOX5 first reported on the jarring videos, a viewer also reached out and said they also filed a complaint against him. The viewer, who wished to stay anonymous, claimed Frehner punched her horse who was sedated.
“I got to see firsthand what a man of his size and weight can do punching a horse at close range,” the viewer said. “It was horrifying. I put myself in a situation where I thought this person was a medical professional. I questioned that and I want him to be investigated.”
Meanwhile as Frehner’s loved ones wait for any news of him, Gonzalez tells FOX5 she stands by what happened.
Saha: If you had to do anything different, what would you do?
Gonzalez: That’s a question I don’t really know how to answer. I feel i did the right thing in protecting my horse. My friend that posted it are animal advocates. It’s what they do – protect animals. I feel they did their due diligence as animal advocates. I do deeply apologize, but I would not do anything different if anyone feels I should.
Saha: What do you say to the critics online? There are comments on both sides who say this was taken out of context. Was it blown out of proportion?
Gonzalez: Everyone is going to have their opinion. Before this happened, Frehner, like I said, was very good to our animals. I never thought this man would have ever done this. I completely get where they are defending him because I never would have thought he would have done this either. I am protecting my animal, which is what I should legally do. I’m doing what I should legally do and I will do it again if it happens again.
The Nevada Veterinary Board of Medical Examiners told FOX5 they are not able to comment on any pending complaints but are aware of Thursday’s incident from Pahrump, as well as the incident the viewer complained about.
FOX5 obtained a 2016 disciplinary finding for Frehner where his license was put on probation for a year.
This was a result of findings which accused him of having “poorly kept records” and for dispensing medication in baggies that were not properly labeled or recorded into medical records.
FOX5 also spoke to a few people who are close to him. They say he is a good vet and they hope he is found safe.
Nye County sources tell FOX5 Frehner could face potential felony animal abuse charges, but they are still investigating the incident.
The Nevada Park Service says it’s grateful for the information provided by the public so far for search efforts. Those who were in the Hemenway Harbor Launch Ramp area on Sunday and have any additional information should call 888-653-0009. NPS is leading the search with Las Vegas Metro Police and Red Rock Search and Rescue assisting.
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