Trainer receives support in court

Dog death charge called ‘a travesty’

A Las Vegas animal trainer indicted on a felony animal cruelty charge after a dog died under his watch had more than a dozen supporters in court with him Wednesday.

Ricky Davis, 63, has worked with dogs for about 42 years, including more than nine years in Las Vegas, his attorney, Robert Langford, wrote in court briefs.

Davis specializes in advanced obedience training and service animal training.

In early August, a 10-yearold golden retriever named Woody died while Davis and his apprentice were driving the dog and others in a van. Four months later, prosecutors filed charges against Davis.

“Out of the thousands of animals that have been entrusted to him, this is the only one to have died under unknown circumstances,” Langford wrote in court papers, adding that the dog had been provided water and cool shelter under Davis’ watch.

While he awaits an October trial, Davis has been ordered not to have any contact with animals unless an owner or veterinarian is present. He must not transport animals, and he is subject to random home inspection from animal control, but he is allowed to have his own animals at his home.

Woody’s owner, Wendy Span, told a grand jury this month that she had taken

in 2017 that went to planning and design. The city of Henderson contributed $500,000 to the campaign.

A new building for the program was ranked as the state’s top capital need by the Nevada Board of Regents.

Nevada State College has approximately 5,000 students enrolled, representing a 30 percent increase in two years. That has made it the second-fastest growing baccalaureate institution in the U.S.

Contact Aleksandra Appleton at aappleton@reviewjournal.com or 702 383-0218. Follow @aleksappleton on Twitter.