LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – The bulldog left to die in a sealed plastic trash can this summer has sparked outrage across Southern Nevada and around the world, with animal lovers uniting to cry “Justice for Reba “. After an exhaustive search for the person responsible, Metro arrested two suspects last weekend. Both men could serve one to four years in prison or probation.

District Attorney Steve Wolfson says the punishment isn’t harsh enough, but it’s the law. At a news conference, Wolfson urged lawmakers to change it. One lawmaker is now answering that call by filing the paperwork this week to introduce a bill in the next legislative session.

Assemblywoman Melissa Hardy, who represents Assembly District 22 in Henderson, is an animal lover at heart, heartbroken by the suffering Reba endured before she died.
“I was devastated… It made me sick,”
An animal advocate and working with rescue groups in the Vegas Valley, Hardy was not surprised by the extreme case of animal cruelty.

“We hear about big cases, big ones like Reba’s, but it happens more often than we think,” Hardy said.

Elected in 2018, Hardy has proposed animal welfare bills in every legislative session. Hardy’s most recent proposal, a registry of animal abusers that pet stores and shelters could refer to before adopting animals, has not reached the governor’s desk.

For the upcoming session, Hardy filed papers this week to introduce a new animal cruelty bill aimed at increasing penalties for those who abuse, neglect or kill animals.

“We need to strengthen them. You know, a lot of them are misdemeanors and then…maybe the fourth time an individual commits a crime, it’s now a felony. But you know, in the meantime, they caused all this harm,” Hardy argued.

One of his constituents created the website JusticeforReba.org helping the search for the dog’s killers gain national attention. The name of Congresswoman Hardy’s bill was suggested by the creator of the website.

“They wanted him to be called Reba’s Bill and I would love that…this poor little dog that was abused and ultimately lost his life,” Hardy explained.

DA Wolfson says after the two suspects were arrested last weekend, he received hundreds of calls from around the world and Clark County showing how many people want change.

“In my heart, I believe that not all of us want to see innocent animals being abused and killed like this. So where can we come together and get something passed? asked Hardy.

Reba’s bill is still being developed. The 2025 legislative session begins in February. FOX5 will keep you posted.

As for the two suspects accused of Reba’s death, they remain in prison. Isaac Laushaul Jr. is being held without bail. Markeisha Foster on $50,000 bond. Both are due in court on December 23.

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