Simba was a 12-year-old Maltese mix. He was gentle, curious, and beloved by his family. But on a quiet morning in North Las Vegas, Simba was shot and killed just steps from his own home — and his family caught the entire act on their home security camera.

The video shows a man, identified by police as neighbor Sergio Ramirez, taking out the trash before returning to his garage. Then the light goes off. Moments later, a gunshot rings out. Simba yelps and runs toward his yard. Minutes later, he collapses and dies.

There was no provocation. Simba was not barking. He wasn’t charging. He was just outside.

This was not an accident. According to police, Ramirez concealed himself in the dark before pulling the trigger. He has now been arrested and faces charges of willful or malicious torture of an animal.

This petition calls on the Clark County District Attorney’s Office to fully prosecute Sergio Ramirez and uphold every possible charge. This act must be treated as the serious crime it is.

Animal cruelty should never be minimized or brushed aside. Simba’s death was violent, intentional, and traumatic for the entire Centelles family. If this case is not handled with full accountability, it sends a dangerous message — that people can hurt animals in plain sight and not face real consequences.

We urge the District Attorney to pursue the maximum penalty under Nevada law. Justice for Simba means justice for all animals and the families who love them.

If you believe animals deserve protection, and that Simba’s life mattered, please sign this petition today.

Photo: KSNV  (Courtesy Gerard Centelles)