Henderson Man Faces Six Years in Prison After Dog Found Dead in Trash Bag

Henderson Police have arrested a 60-year-old man in connection with the heartbreaking death of a small dog found dumped in a trash can in the Inspirada neighborhood — a case that has shaken the community and drawn swift action under Nevada’s newly strengthened Reba’s Law.

Authorities confirmed on Friday, November 7, 2025, that Randy Lee Katz, the former owner of the dog, was taken into custody without incident.

Katz now faces a felony charge of willfully or maliciously torturing, maiming, or mutilating an animal, a Class B felony carrying penalties of up to six years in prison.

The arrest comes just three days after the dog’s body was found, underscoring how seriously Henderson Police are treating animal cruelty cases under the new law.

How Detectives Cracked the Case

Police Chief Reggie Rader revealed during a Friday morning press conference that nearly 30 detectives and supervisors worked around the clock to identify and apprehend Katz, following what he described as a “major case protocol.”

Their breakthrough came through the dog’s microchip — a tiny but crucial clue that traced ownership directly to Katz.

Armed with that lead, detectives secured a search warrant and began combing through evidence. Surveillance footage from a nearby camera soon placed Katz at the scene near Spalato Court in the 2300 block of Inspirada on the evening of November 4, when residents made the grim discovery. T

he combination of the microchip and video evidence gave investigators the probable cause they needed to move quickly.

When officers executed the warrant at Katz’s home, they reportedly discovered multiple other animals living inside.

Those pets have since been removed and placed under the care of local shelters — a finding that has raised fresh questions about whether this tragedy was an isolated act or part of a disturbing pattern of neglect.

The Dog Identified as Bailey

Investigators have identified the victim as Bailey, a Maltese-Poodle terrier mix believed to be between 10 and 12 years old.

According to police, Bailey had been injured before being placed inside a black plastic trash bag that was knotted shut — and discarded alive in a residential garbage bin.

Neighbors found the small dog later that evening and rushed him for emergency care, but he could not be saved.

A necropsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause and manner of death, which officials say will provide additional evidence as the case proceeds to prosecution.

Chief Rader described the scene as “deeply disturbing,” adding that no act of animal cruelty will go unanswered in Henderson.

Reba’s Law Tested for the First Time

The arrest marks one of the first major prosecutions under Reba’s Law, which came into effect earlier this year following widespread public support after the 2023 death of a dog named Reba in another high-profile Nevada cruelty case.

The statute reclassified severe abuse as a felony, introduced fines up to $10,000, and established the state’s first Animal Abuse Registry — a public list preventing convicted offenders from ever legally adopting or purchasing pets again.

If convicted, Katz could face up to six years in prison and lifetime registration as an animal abuser. Police say this case sends a clear signal that Nevada is enforcing its new law to the fullest extent.

“Every animal cruelty case is taken seriously,” Chief Rader said. “The full weight of the City of Henderson will work together to bring swift resolution to those cases.”

Community Reaction and Call to Action

News of the arrest has brought a mix of relief and sorrow to Inspirada residents who were horrified by Bailey’s death. Vigils and online tributes have begun circulating on local social media pages, with many residents calling the swift police response a sign of long-overdue progress in animal welfare enforcement.

At the same time, authorities urged caution about sharing unverified details online. Police reminded the public that suspected cruelty should be reported directly to law enforcement rather than first posted on social media. In this case, officials said, timely community reporting and surveillance footage played a critical role in securing an arrest within days.

Residents are encouraged to contact the Henderson Police Department at 702-267-5000 for cruelty concerns or call 911 in emergencies. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 702-385-5555.

What Comes Next

Katz was scheduled to appear in court on Saturday morning, November 8, where prosecutors are expected to pursue the case under Reba’s Law.

For animal advocates, Bailey’s case is both a moment of accountability and a stark reminder of ongoing challenges. The discovery of other animals at Katz’s residence has reignited discussions about early intervention, responsible pet ownership, and the importance of Nevada’s microchip requirements — a technology that, in this instance, proved instrumental in bringing justice.

As the case moves forward, the community of Henderson stands united in grief and determination — ensuring that Bailey’s story will not fade quietly, but instead mark a turning point in Nevada’s fight against animal cruelty.