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Randy Katz, a 60-year-old resident of Henderson, was taken into police custody after reportedly killing a pet dog by discarding of it in a trash bag until it suffocated. Henderson’s Police Chief confirmed that the dog passed away on November 5th.
Police were first alerted to the situation after stumbling upon a social media post. The social media post described an ongoing disturbance in a West Henderson neighborhood.
According to the post, residents around the 2300 block of Spalato Court had discovered a dog in a trash bag around 8 P.M. The concerned residents attempted to help the animal and promptly transported it to a local animal hospital. Sadly, it was pronounced deceased a short time later by a local veterinarian.
Investigators determined that the dog was a terrier mix named Bailey. Due to the injuries sustained by the pet, it’s clear that it was intentionally placed into a trash bag and then a trash bin while it was still alive. Investigators ordered a necropsy to determine exactly how much violence was used against Bailey.
Investigators used Bailey’s implanted chip to locate a previous owner who pointed police toward the ultimate suspect: Randy Katz. Around 30 detectives and supervisors coordinated together to work on the case and track down Katz. Once enough evidence was secured, Katz was taken into custody on November 7th.
He is being charged with one felony count of willful or malicious torture of an animal. According to Henderson Police Chief Reggie Rader, Katz was discovered to be in possession of other pets. Animal Control has since seized those animals to preserve their safety.
In Nevada, animal cruelty is a criminal offense that can be reported to local animal control, the police, or the Humane Society of Southern Nevada. Animal cruelty is considered the willful and intentional abuse, torturing, or beating of an animal, neglect, poisoning, abandonment, or leaving an animal in a motor vehicle. Torturing an animal is considered an extremely serious felony offense. A conviction may result in prison time of up to three years and fines of up to $20,000.
Felony convictions can also permanently affect certain rights for individuals in Nevada. Depending on the specifics of the conviction, a felony offense can result in the loss of the right to possess a firearm, the right to vote, the right to serve on a jury, and even the right to obtain certain professional licenses.
If you’ve recently been accused of committing animal cruelty or a similar offense in Las Vegas, then our team of skilled, dedicated attorneys can help. Our law office was founded over ten years ago by our leading lawyer, Attorney Nick Wooldridge. Since then, the firm has grown and partnered with equally talented local attorneys like lawyers Matthew Sibert, Reno AlDabbagh, Melody Phommaly, Reyna Quintana, Adam Plumer, and more.
To get started, schedule a free case evaluation by leaving your contact details on our online form We’ll be in touch as soon as possible.
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