Reba’s Law

Reba’s Law was enacted in Nevada in 2025 following the horrific abuse and killing of Reba, a dog whose case exposed serious shortcomings in how severe animal cruelty crimes were punished under state law.

Reba was brutally abused and killed, sparking widespread public outrage and renewed calls for stronger penalties for extreme animal cruelty. Advocates and lawmakers agreed that existing sentencing limits failed to reflect the seriousness of intentional, malicious acts that result in an animal’s death.

Reba’s Law changed that.

The law increased the maximum prison sentence for willful and malicious acts of animal cruelty resulting in death from four years to six years, strengthening Nevada’s ability to hold the worst offenders fully accountable. The law went into effect immediately upon being signed in June 2025.

The passage of Reba’s Law is credited in large part to the advocacy of Nevada Voters for Animals, led by Gina Greisen, whose efforts were instrumental in pushing the reform forward.

What Reba’s Law Does

• Increases felony penalties for animal cruelty resulting in death
• Strengthens consequences for willful and malicious abuse
• Ensures punishments better match the severity of the crime
• Sends a clear message that extreme cruelty toward animals will not be tolerated

Why This Matters

Reba’s Law represents an important step toward stronger animal-protection laws in Nevada and reflects growing recognition that violent animal abuse is a serious crime with broader public safety implications. By increasing penalties, the law helps deter future abuse and affirms that animals’ lives matter under the law.

Sources & Citations

Reba petition (Animal Victory)

Sign Justice for Reba petition