Target: Chris Arabia, Nye County District Attorney
Goal: Prosecute the two owners who reportedly neglected nearly 300 dogs to the fullest extent.
In Nye County, Nevada, nearly 300 dogs were seized in an animal cruelty case. An investigation of the location was prompted after a severely injured dog–which reportedly had one of its front legs completely ripped off, showing inches of bone, as well as a large abscess by its tail and several other cuts and scratches–arrived at a concerned veterinarian’s office in Pahrump.
The animals’ owners, Oskana Higgins and Vasili Platunov, were arrested on felony animal neglect and abuse counts, and likely face several other misdemeanors. The dogs are currently being taken care of by NCSO Deputies and Animal Control Officers as the case undergoes further investigation.
Dogs found at this breeding facility were reportedly extremely malnourished. Several of the dogs—which were Caucasian shepards—apparently weighed 55 to 60 pounds, when dogs of this breed typically weigh anywhere between 150 to 200 pounds. One reportedly emaciated adult weighed a mere 38 pounds.
Sign this petition to demand these two individuals receive the maximum penalty if they are found guilty of neglecting to care for the 300 dogs they are responsible for bringing into this world.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Governor Sisolak,
The reported discovery of nearly 300 emaciated dogs at a residential breeding facility in Nye County this August is deeply disturbing. The two owners, Oskana Higgins and Vasili Platunov, who are responsible for breeding these dogs into existence seemingly neglected their responsibility to provide the dogs with even their most basic of needs. Caucasian shepherd dogs typically weigh between 150 and 200 pounds, but several of the dogs found at the location reportedly weighed only 55-60. One adult dog in particular apparetly weighed a pathetic 38 pounds—or about 22% of their natural body weight.
Many of the dogs also reportedly suffered from severe injuries. This entire investigation was prompted by a concerned veterinarian who treated one of their dogs. The veterinarian, located in Pahrump, Nevada, claimed that the dog came to them with one of its front legs completely ripped off, exposing inches of bare bone, a large abscess near its tail and covered in other open wounds. Most of the 300 dogs were seemingly extremely deprived of medical attention altogether.
The owners have been arrested on felony animal abuse and neglect charges, and are likely to face several other charges. As the investigation is still underway, dogs are being cared for on location. NCSO Deputies and Animal Control Officers are making sure each of the 300 animals have access to food and water, as well as the veterinary care they so desperately need.
We are asking you, Mr. Sisolak, to punish these two irresponsible owners for the immense suffering they reportedly caused to nearly 300 dogs.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Chris Arabia
And this is why we need to stop this unlicensed, unqualified, uncaring and deliberately cruel backyard breeders epidemic. A legit breeder would not be found doing this and 300 dogs is a lot of abuse and unacceptable. They need to be fined, jailed and given lifetime ban from going near anything large than a fly. They are pond scum, treat them appropriately.