LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — A person informed police he suspected a coyote bit his canine earlier than he put the animal within the trash final week, main detectives to attach him to their investigation via video from an earlier name.
Randy Katz, 60, faces a felony animal abuse cost. Final week, a neighbor discovered the canine, who Katz recognized as “Baily,” within the trash and rushed it to an animal hospital, the place it died.
On Nov. 4, police responded to the animal hospital for a report of a “possible animal abuse case,” paperwork mentioned. On the animal hospital, an officer made contact with a person who mentioned he was taking in his trash when he seen it felt “heavier” than regular.
The person additionally informed the officer he heard “labored breathing” from the trash bag and that the bag “appeared to be moving,” paperwork mentioned. The person then opened the bag, discovering the small canine inside.
The canine gave the impression to be between 10-12 years outdated. Later that day, a veterinarian who tried to avoid wasting the animal informed police that it had died, probably from bruising or a “puncture or bite wound” on the canine’s neck.
Bloodwork decided the canine was affected by extreme dehydration, paperwork mentioned.
A microchip later linked the canine to its earlier proprietor, police mentioned. The canine was later given to Katz and a member of the family. Each Katz’s mom and spouse not too long ago died, leaving him to take care of all their pets.
Police reviewed body-camera video from a name on Oct. 27, which concerned Katz’s mom, who was discovered unresponsive, paperwork mentioned. Video from that decision confirmed three canine, with one matching the outline of the deceased canine.
Detectives later positioned Katz at a enterprise and interviewed him. Katz mentioned Baily escaped his residence on Nov. 4 and he later positioned the canine “lying in the street,” paperwork mentioned.
Katz believed a coyote bit Baily, and he later positioned the animal within the trash bag, paperwork mentioned. Katz mentioned he was conscious of the media studies surrounding the incident however didn’t need to “get caught.”
Henderson Justice Court docket Decide Sandra DiGiacomo set bail at $20,000, which Katz posted on Monday, data mentioned. He was scheduled to look in courtroom once more in December.
Henderson police launched Katz’s reserving photograph, which works in opposition to the division’s coverage of not releasing reserving pictures following a 2024 circuit courtroom order.
Police additionally held a information convention about Katz’s arrest on Friday, which is a rarity. Amid different high-profile information occasions, the division has launched movies to the media, which implies reporters can not ask questions.
