Target: Washoe County, NV District Attorney Christopher J. Hicks
Goal: Secure the toughest lawful penalties, lifetime animal bans, and full restitution in all reportedly cruelty-linked seizures that just pushed the county shelter to capacity.
Washoe County Regional Animal Services seized about 30 dogs and a dozen birds within a single week for alleged cruelty and welfare reasons. The assistant director said every animal required veterinary exams and safe housing. Because these cases are being treated as cruelty and neglect matters, the animals may remain at the facility for extended periods. That strains space, staff, and medical resources while the community tries to foster and adopt other pets to free room.
Officials described dogs arriving so compromised that long stays are expected while cases proceed. Birds were also taken for welfare concerns. The agency has appealed for public help to adopt, foster, and keep strays out of the shelter when possible. Meanwhile, investigators are pursuing complaints, and partner organizations are absorbing overflow where they can. None of this should be normal. It allegedly reflects repeated, preventable harm that leaves living beings in pain and taxpayers footing medical bills.
Meaningful consequences can deter copycats. Prosecutors can seek maximum penalties, lifetime bans on owning or residing with animals, court-ordered counseling, and strict probation terms. Restitution should cover exams, treatment, housing, and rehabilitation borne by county services and rescue partners. These measures are essential to protect animals and to reduce the crushing burden on public shelters. This petition urges the District Attorney to pursue the strongest lawful outcomes in every substantiated case tied to these recent seizures.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear District Attorney Hicks,
We respectfully ask your office to prioritize vigorous prosecution in the cluster of reportedly cruelty-related animal seizures that has placed Washoe County Regional Animal Services at capacity. About 30 dogs and a dozen birds were taken for alleged cruelty and welfare reasons within one week. Shelter officials say these cases require extended stays for exams, treatment, and safe housing. That strains limited space and shifts costs to the public and partner rescues.
Where the evidence supports charges, please seek the toughest lawful penalties. We urge your office to ask for lifetime prohibitions on owning, keeping, or residing with animals, mandated mental-health counseling, intensive probation with unannounced checks, and strict no-contact terms. Full restitution should be pursued to reimburse veterinary care, daily housing, and rehabilitation costs incurred by county services and rescue partners.
A firm, well-publicized response will deter future abuse, protect vulnerable animals, and support overburdened shelters and rescuers. Thank you for using every legal tool available to secure accountability in these cases and to prevent further suffering.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: Aro Salar
