Mesquite Police Recover 77 Dogs from RV, Shelter Asks for Donations to Cope with Influx
Mesquite police and animal control officers recovered 77 dogs from a man’s RV on May 15 following a months-long investigation into animal welfare violations, and the city’s shelter is now asking for community donations to keep up with the sudden influx.
The owner, Giustino Laudando, had previously been arrested twice on warrants after failing to comply with citations for violating Mesquite City animal ordinances.
He was evicted from his residence earlier this year and told officers he planned to leave Nevada with the animals, but investigators later found him living on Bureau of Land Management property just outside city limits.
When Laudando returned to Mesquite on May 15, police and animal control officers contactedhim again and recovered the dogs from his RV.
Many of the animals require extensive medical treatment due to the conditions in which they were found.
Several of the dogs were pregnant, and reports Fox5 Las Vegas, one dog gave birth to four puppies on May 18, bringing the total number of animals now in care to 81.
Laudando faces multiple misdemeanor citations and an ongoing investigation into further criminal charges.
The Mesquite Animal Shelter is currently providing medical treatment, nutrition, and safe housing for all of the animals.
Officials say the high number of dogs and the level of care required has placed a significant strain on the shelter’s physical and financial resources.
The shelter is asking for community donations to help support ongoing care. Anyone who would like to help can contact the Mesquite Animal Shelter directly.
This case carries echoes of the situation facing 31 dogs currently being held as evidence at The Animal Foundation in Las Vegas following the Working Dogs of Nevada abuse investigation, where prolonged legal proceedings have left animals in limbo for months.
Whether Mesquite’s dogs face a similar wait will depend on how quickly criminal proceedings against Laudando move forward.