LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — The Las Vegas community is still coming together to push for answers, nearly a week after Reba the English Bulldog’s death.
The dog was found taped inside a sealed plastic tub in the central valley last Thursday and police are still piecing together what happened.
“It really touched a string in people’s hearts,” Megan Tomlinson of Vegas Pet Rescue Project said of Reba’s story.
What started as something devastating quickly turned into a true symbol of hope.
“It has shown us that we are not in this alone,” Tomlinson said.
As 8 News Now first reported last Friday, Reba was discovered in the plastic tub in triple-digit temperatures Thursday night near Maryland Parkway and Katie Avenue, near Flamingo Road.
She was rescued and rushed to the emergency vet and she fought as hard as she could to survive, but Reba went into cardiac arrest and died Saturday morning. Vegas Pet Rescue Project told 8 News Now this was all due to the severe heat stroke and shock she suffered.
“We’re tired of the abuse, we’re tired of the neglect,” Tomlinson said. “We’re tired of people treating animals poorly.”
Reba’s death was nothing short of a gut punch to everyone following her story, but Tomlinson said all that anger and sadness later sparked something.
“The amount of community support,” she told 8 News Now. “Has been absolutely humbling.”
Donations started pouring in to start a reward for any information leading to an arrest of the person responsible for Reba’s abuse.
The amount started at $5,000 on Sunday and has since grown to $25,000.
“This particular situation really made not only us at VPRP,” Tomlinson said. “But the rest of the community at large feel like OK the community is behind us.”
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department’s Animal Cruelty Detail has also been investigating, trying to track down the suspect. According to Nevada law, the suspect or suspects involved could face a $5,000 fine, up to four years in prison, and a ban on keeping animals for up to four years.
“We really know that they are taking this seriously,” Tomlinson said of LVMPD. “And they are hitting the ground and trying to solve it.”
A dog whose life was taken far too soon had the power to create change for any other animals in need.
“Reba is what made them realize,” Tomlinson concluded. “That we need help.”
According to Vegas Pet Rescue Project, Metro police investigators have a few leads they are following in the case.
Anyone with a tip in the case can call 702-660-8970 or email NevadaVoters4Animals@gmail.com.
Anyone wishing to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers of NV at 702-385-5555. The LVMPD Animal Cruelty Unit tip line can also be reached at 702-828-3364. Donations to Vegas Pet Rescue Project can be made at this link. Donations help provide medical care, food, supplies, and much more for pets in need.