About Nevada Animal Advocates
Stronger Together. For Them. For Justice.
John Waudby
John Waudby is a Las Vegas native and lifelong animal lover. He created Nevada Animal Advocates in the Spring of 2025, while he was working with Assemblywoman Melissa Hardy (R) on getting Reba's Law passed and signed into law.
His role in the grassroots campaign included establishing Justice For Reba, which would soon become Nevada Animal Advocates.
While Reba's rescuers were focused on finding those responsible for leaving Reba to die, John immediately focused his attention on the legislature to strengthen laws against animal cruelty.
He created online advocacy resources, organized petitions, encouraged public participation, and testified before Nevada lawmakers.
The law's passage was the result of collective work by lawmakers, advocates, organizations, and concerned Nevada residents.
His rescue dog isn't just a pet: she is family and absolute royalty, and she knows it. From throwing birthday parties complete with doggie cake and ice cream to sharing his bed (even when she takes up most of it). John's devotion to her runs deep.
His love for animals is personal, passionate, and at the heart of everything he and Nevada Animal Advocates stands for.
At Nevada Animal Advocates, our dedication to being a relentless voice for the voiceless will always be our driving force. Our mission is crystal clear; to drive meaningful legislative change and demand accountability for those who harm, neglect, or kill animals. We are not just a cause; we are a movement for justice. This dedication and mission paved the way for us to create and launch what our elected leaders have refused to do for years; create a statewide animal abuse registry.
We feel deep in our hearts that our animals deserve the same protections that the public receives from sex offenders, so we created the registry in hopes to educate and inform the public about the monsters who live among us.
We campaign for stronger legal protections and harsher penalties against animal cruelty and continue to work tirelessly to bring awareness to the gaps in Nevada's legal system and mobilize support for real reform. We recently championed Reba's Law (AB381), a bill aimed at enhancing penalties for animal abuse, especially for acts as heinous as what happened to Reba, a bulldog whose tragic death galvanized our efforts.
We believe lasting change requires more than public outrage. It requires persistence, documentation, responsible advocacy, and the willingness to stand up for animals even when doing so is difficult.
We advocate. We speak up. We make a difference. Because we are the voice for the voiceless.
Fighting for Those Who Can't Fight for Themselves
Animals deserve the same protections that the public receives from sex offenders. We created Nevada's first statewide animal abuse registry to educate and inform the public.
Public Protection
Our registry helps entities and individuals identify offenders during the vetting process for animal sales or adoptions.
Legislative Change
We champion stronger legal protections and harsher penalties against animal cruelty through advocacy like Reba's Law (AB381).
Public Awareness
We bring awareness to gaps in Nevada's legal system and mobilize support for meaningful reform.
Community Driven
Privately funded by animal lovers. We rely on the community to help us identify offenders and protect animals.
Milestones & Achievements
From a passionate idea to a movement for justice—here's how we've fought for Nevada's animals.
Tragic Murder of Reba the Bulldog
Reba, an English bulldog, is discovered trapped inside a sealed plastic container near a Las Vegas dumpster during extreme summer temperatures. Despite rescue efforts, she dies—a tragedy that would galvanize a movement for justice and stronger animal protection laws in Nevada.
The Spark
Founder John begins working with Assemblywoman Melissa Hardy (R) on legislation to protect animals from abuse and hold offenders accountable.
Nevada Animal Advocates Founded
Driven by a passion for animal welfare and frustration with gaps in Nevada's legal system, John officially launches Nevada Animal Advocates.
Championing Reba's Law (AB381)
We lead advocacy efforts for Reba's Law, a bill aimed at enhancing penalties for animal abuse—named after Reba, a bulldog whose tragic death galvanized our mission.
Reba's Law Signed Into Law
Governor Joe Lombardo approves Reba's Law after its passage through the Nevada Legislature, strengthening penalties for certain animal cruelty offenses and marking a significant development in Nevada's animal protection legislation.
Registry Launched
We launch Nevada's first privately funded Animal Abuse Registry—filling a gap our elected leaders refused to address for years.
Complaint filed against Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson
We filed a complaint with the State Bar of Nevada and the Nevada Attorney General asking them to investigate whether the office under District Attorney Steve Wolfson has violated professional responsibility standards, prosecutorial obligations, or other applicable laws in its handling of animal cruelty cases.
Continuing the Fight
We continue to advocate for stronger protections, expand our registry, and mobilize the community to be a relentless voice for the voiceless.
In the News & Public Record
John Waudby's role in the campaign to pass Reba's Law is documented in official legislative records and in Nevada news coverage.
- News 3 Las Vegas (KSNV)April 14, 2025
Reba's Law stalls in committee, animal advocates demand answers
Advocates push back after AB 381 fails to advance out of the Assembly Judiciary Committee.
- KTNV Channel 13April 15, 2025
A bill died, yet lives again? How does that happen?
How a legislative waiver brought Reba's Law back after an outcry from animal advocates.
- KTNV Channel 13June 2, 2025
'Reba's Law' makes it through Nevada Legislature before midnight deadline
AB 381 clears the Senate in the final hour of the 2025 session and heads to the Governor's desk.
- News 3 Las Vegas (KSNV)June 10, 2025
Nevada governor signs Reba's Law, marking victory for animal welfare advocates
Governor Joe Lombardo signs AB 381; John Waudby releases a statement thanking the lawmakers who backed the bill.
- NTDJune 11, 2025
Nevada Governor Enacts Law Increasing Animal Cruelty Penalties
National coverage of the new penalties, quoting Nevada Animal Advocates spokesperson John Waudby.
- KTNV Channel 13June 12, 2025
Nevada animal advocates hopeful after 'Reba's Law' goes into effect
What the signed law changes for animal cruelty cases and hot-car rescues across Nevada.
Official record
- Nevada Assembly Judiciary Committee — March 19, 2025
- Official testimony supporting AB 381, sponsored by Assemblywoman Melissa Hardy.
- Nevada Legislature — AB 381 (Reba's Law)
- Official legislative history: introduction, committee action, passage, and approval by the Governor on June 9, 2025.
- FOX5 Las Vegas — April 16, 2025
- Coverage of Waudby's petition calling for lawmakers to reconsider the measure after it initially failed to advance, and the efforts that allowed Reba's Law to move forward.
If you're ready to join a community that refuses to stay silent, we welcome your support. Whether you're a fellow advocate, a volunteer, or someone simply fed up with the status quo, let's make our voices heard—together.
Contact Us"I am proud to endorse Nevada Animal Advocates and the work they have done in Nevada to protect animals and strengthen accountability for cruelty. Their commitment to animal welfare goes beyond awareness—they pursue real, meaningful change. Through tireless advocacy and the creation of an animal abuse registry, they are helping prevent repeat offenses and ensuring that animal cruelty is taken seriously. Nevada Animal Advocates leads with compassion, integrity, and courage, giving a powerful voice to animals who cannot speak for themselves."