City of Las Vegas, NV

12/29/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 12/29/2025 11:10

Operation Pawsitive Change Makes A Difference In 2025

David Riggleman | Director of Communications | 702.229.2207

Monday, Dec. 29, 2025 | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA CONTACT: Jace Radke | 702.229.2205 | 702.249.3514 | [email protected]

Operation Pawsitive Change Makes A Difference In 2025

A Total Of 28 Puppies Recovered Through Law Enforcment Operation

Since the beginning of 2025, the city of Las Vegas has successfully recovered 28 puppies and issued 56 citations through the Department of Public Safety's Operation Pawsitive Change.

Launched in 2024, Operation Pawsitive Change aims to disrupt illegal breeding operations and prevent unlawful sales of pets in the city of Las Vegas. The initiative primarily targets unpermitted breeding, unlicensed sales and related illicit activities.

The illegal sale prices for puppies in the Las Vegas area range from $350 to $3,000, and recent recoveries include a variety of breeds such as Chihuahuas, Corgi/Jack Russell mixes (CO-Jacks), Bullies and French Bulldogs.

Since the implementation of these operations, investigators continue to report a noticeable decline in online listings for illegally bred puppies, indicating progress in the community's efforts to combat illegal breeding and sales, which contributes to pet overpopulation.

Through a partnership with The Animal Foundation, the goal is to ensure these animals are placed in safe, caring environments where they can thrive. This operation will continue to promote the importance of adoption and responsible pet ownership, including spaying and neutering of pets.

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Editor's Note: Photos of some the dogs recovered in 2025 are available here.

Las Vegas City Council

Mayor Shelley Berkley | Mayor Pro Tem Brian Knudsen

Olivia Diaz | Francis Allen-Palenske | Nancy E. Brune | Shondra Summers-Armstrong | Kara Kelley

City Manager Mike Janssen

City of Las Vegas, NV published this content on December 29, 2025, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on December 29, 2025 at 17:10 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]