Dr. Shawn Frehner, a Las Vegas veterinarian, has been missing since on Sunday, prompting a search near Lake Mead by the National Parks Service and other law enforcement agencies. The search follows a video showing Frehner allegedly mistreating a horse named Big Red during a medical procedure last Thursday. Shawna Gonzalez, the horse’s owner, has accused Frehner of felony animal abuse, stating, "It’s like if I were to kick a child in the face because they did something wrong. It’s not okay." The Nye County Sheriff's Office has launched an investigation into the matter, as reported by KTNV.
The veterinarian, Frehner, is under scrutiny by the Nevada Veterinary Board of Medical Examiners following an incident. A 2016 disciplinary finding showed that Frehner was placed on probation for "poorly kept records" and unprofessionally dispensing medication. Nye County officials have suggested that Frehner could face potential felony animal abuse charges, according to FOX5 Vegas.
Gonzalez is determined to expose the abuse of her horse despite receiving threats and the veterinary board not commenting on pending complaints. She stated, "I did my due diligence to protect my horse, and I will do it again," as per FOX5 Vegas. She also said, "I have at least have 10 videos of proof from different people." Before his disappearance, Frehner apologized on social media, claiming the horse was "dangerously" aggressive and unresponsive to sedatives, as mentioned by KTNV. Authorities are asking anyone with information related to the case or who was near the Hemenway Harbor Launch Ramp on Sunday, April 6, to contact them at (888) 653-0009.
