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City of Las Vegas, NV

10/23/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/23/2025 09:01

Operation Pawsitive Change Continues To Combat Illegal Dog Breeding

David Riggleman | Director of Communications | 702.229.2207

Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025 | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

Operation Pawsitive Change Continues To Combat Illegal Dog Breeding

From July Through October 2025, A Total Of 15 Puppies Recovered

Operation Pawsitive Change, the city's ongoing initiative to disrupt illegal dog breeding operations and unlicensed animal sales within the community has led to 15 puppies being recovered and 37 citations being issued from July 1, 2025, through Oct. 20, 2025.

Launched by the city's Department of Public Safety in 2024, Operation Pawsitive Change focuses on addressing violations of the City's Backyard Breeding Ordinance, including unpermitted breeding, unlicensed animal sales and related unlawful activities.

Officers utilized undercover investigations across social media platforms to identify suspected unlicensed breeders. Controlled meetings at designated public parks led to citations, animal seizures and puppy surrenders to Animal Protection Services. From July 1 through Oct. 20, 2025, 37 citations were issued, 15 puppies were recovered and one firearm was recovered.

In 2024, Operation Pawsitive Change resulted in 35 citations being issued, two arrests, four firearms being seized and 16 puppies being rescued.

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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 October 23, 2025, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on October 23, 2025 at 15:01 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 If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]