LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — The trainer accused of abusing dogs at Working Dogs of Nevada has been deported to Scotland, and prosecutors have declined to pursue an animal abuse charge against another employee, a judge announced Wednesday.
John Johnstone, a Scottish citizen previously detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, is accused of abusing dogs on camera during his time as a trainer at Working Dogs of Nevada. Court records show that, despite being deported out of the country, a warrant for his arrest in still pending in the Las Vegas Justice Court system. He is currently being represented by a public defender.
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Additionally, Clark County prosecutors informed a judge that they will not being pursuing an animal abuse charge against Tabitha Berube and have dropped her case.
Johnstone and Berube were arrested earlier this year amid a monthlong investigation into allegations of animal abuse at the Las Vegas-area rescue Working Dogs of Nevada.
In previous coverage, FOX5 reported police alleged Johnstone was captured on video attempting to kick a dog and dragging and swinging other dogs by their leashes, while Berube was accused of witnessing an incident and failing to intervene.
According to an arrest report, LVMPD and City of Las Vegas officials contacted the business for an emergency shutdown, where 35 dogs were taken to the City of Las Vegas Animal Protection Services. The report also stated that shock collars were seen on dogs in kennels, including young puppies.
Johnstone was later confirmed in federal custody through the Department of Homeland Security’s detainee database, FOX5 reported.
The arrest warrant indicates the case against Johnstone is still active in Las Vegas despite his deportation.
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