Justice for Reba: Sentencing Hearings Set for Next Week
Hearings in Landmark Animal Cruelty Case – Why You Should Attend
The fight for justice for Reba, the English bulldog whose tragic death galvanized Nevada into passing one of the strongest animal cruelty laws in state history, is nearing its final chapter in court. This September, the two individuals charged in Reba’s case will stand before a judge for sentencing — and these hearings will be among the first major applications of Reba’s Law (Assembly Bill 381).
For the animal welfare community — and for every Nevadan who spoke out after Reba’s story came to light — these dates matter. They are where advocacy meets accountability.
Sentencing Dates and Details
- Markeisha Foster – Monday, September 8, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.
Location: Regional Justice Center, 200 E Lewis Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89101 - Isaac Laushaul Jr. – Wednesday, September 10, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.
Location: Regional Justice Center, 200 E Lewis Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89101
Community members are encouraged to attend if they are able. A strong presence in the courtroom underscores just how deeply this case has impacted Las Vegas and beyond.
Remembering Reba
Reba’s story is one that shocked the state. In July 2024, she was found taped inside a plastic storage bin and abandoned in the Las Vegas heat — a horrifying act of cruelty that ended her life. Outrage poured in from residents, rescue groups, and lawmakers alike.
What followed was more than just heartbreak. It was action. Grassroots voices demanded change, and their persistence carried all the way to Carson City.
What Reba’s Law Changed
Signed into law earlier this year, Reba’s Law dramatically strengthened Nevada’s animal cruelty statutes. Among its key provisions:
- Tougher penalties: A first-time offense for animal torture is now a Category C felony (1–5 years in prison). If cruelty results in an animal’s death, sentences can reach up to 10 years.
- Category B felony option: In cases of willful, malicious abuse that causes death, offenders can face 1–6 years behind bars.
- Lifetime bans: Judges can impose lifetime bans on animal ownership for the most serious convictions.
- Mandatory reporting: Witnesses to animal cruelty must now report it, making protection of animals a shared legal responsibility.
Assemblywoman Melissa Hardy, one of the bill’s sponsors, credited the public’s outcry for helping to push the law forward: “This was the community saying, ‘enough is enough.’ Reba’s legacy proves that advocacy saves lives.” She told the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
Why These Hearings Matter
The sentencing of Foster and Laushaul Jr. isn’t just about one case. It’s about setting the tone for how Nevada will enforce its newly strengthened protections. These hearings will demonstrate whether the harsher penalties envisioned under Reba’s Law translate into real accountability.
For the rescue community, they are also about honoring Reba’s memory — ensuring her suffering leads to meaningful change.
How You Can Support
- Attend if you can: A visible, respectful presence in court shows the depth of community concern.
- Spread awareness: Share the sentencing dates with friends, family, and fellow advocates.
- Support rescues: Groups like Vegas Pet Rescue Project continue to fight for animals who cannot speak for themselves. Donations, fostering, and volunteering all make a difference.
- Report cruelty: Under Reba’s Law, it is now your duty as a Nevadan to report suspected abuse. Your voice can save a life.
Moving Forward Together
Reba’s death was a tragedy. But her legacy — in the form of stronger laws, louder voices, and a more united community — continues to shape Nevada’s future. These sentencing hearings mark a turning point: an opportunity to show that cruelty has consequences, and that compassion has power.
For those who can be there on September 8 and 10, your presence matters. For those who cannot, your voice still does. Reba’s story reminds us that justice is not just about punishment — it’s about the kind of state we choose to be.
Learn more about Reba’s Law as we broke down details in June!
