LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – A former owner of a Las Vegas pet boarding and grooming establishment has been ordered to stay away from all animals, take a course on humane and proper treatment of animals and was sentenced to 11 days in jail.
Former Pawzazz owner Victor Garcia-Herrera was charged with attempted animal cruelty for Mora’s death in July 2021 and assaulting a Chow Chow on Christmas Eve of the same year.
According to court records, Garcia-Herrera agreed to plead guilty to one count of attempted animal cruelty related to Mora’s death and will stay away from all pets and animal-related work. company for a period of five years.
“If you are in a park and someone has dogs, stay away from them,” the judge said, ordering Garcia-Herrera to avoid pets, animals and even animals at all costs. wild animals, even if that means avoiding visiting relatives.
Garcia-Herrera’s wife still owns the business.
“I would like you to complete a course in the proper treatment of animals,” the judge also ordered, noting that the circumstances must be approved by a parole officer. He also faces one year of probation.
“I’m sorry about the situation. I didn’t mean…it’s something that happened,” Garcia-Herrera told the court.
FOX5 spoke by phone with Garcia-Herrera earlier in the week, who said he had documents to prove his side of the story but would not elaborate. He declined to answer questions about why he pleaded guilty to one charge.
Animal advocates who have pushed for an investigation, necropsies and charges have noted the irony of the conviction. They push for reforms in pet-related businesses, inspired by the circumstances surrounding Mora’s death.
FOX5 told you about the push for a Clark County ordinance requiring workers at various pet and animal-related businesses and services to have certification to prove their safety skills and knowledge.
Businesses such as boarding houses, grooming salons, pet sitting services, or training may require workers to have prior training or certification. However, they are not required to have basic training, due to the lack of Nevada regulations or any supervising agency.
The push for regulations comes in part from Nevada Voters For Animals, which lobbied various local and state officials after the death of a husky named Mora.
“That’s why it’s such a betrayal of trust. People trust these boarding schools. They trust these groomers. They trust these coaches to take care of their babies,” campaigner Gina Grieson said Monday.
“What we’re hoping to do is create more awareness, and maybe a bit of expertise, when it comes to animal care and animal handling,” Chairman Jim Gibson said. “But we don’t want to do it in a way that would put people out of business or put people out of work. We want to do this in a way that reinforces what they are able to offer in the way they care for animals,” he said, noting concerns from various business owners about cost. .
Chairman Gibson removed the proposal from the county’s agenda, in order to meet more closely with business owners.
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