Stop unethical exploitation of Reba the bulldog's tragedy

Recent signers:
Cynthia Allen and 19 others have signed recently.

The Issue

On a blistering July day in 2024, Reba the Bulldog was placed in a sealed plastic container- a taped tote bin. She was put outside next to a dumpster in the relentless triple digit heat by her owner, Isaac Laushaul Jr. where she was left to die. Reba was found, but unfortunately passed away soon after. Reba is more than just a dog; she represents a beacon of hope and a voice for animals everywhere. Her legacy is not just one of a life lost, but a powerful symbol of the need to address animal cruelty and ensure that justice is served to those who harm voiceless creatures. Now, this legacy is under threat from unethical exploitation by a "film producer" seeking to profit from her tragic story.

This producer - Justin Sweatland, who has abandoned and mistreated animals in his care, is attempting to jumpstart his nonexistent film career by creating a documentary about Reba. This move is not only morally reprehensible, but it also actively undermines the very cause Reba now symbolizes. His wife - Shelley Boyd Sweatland, has faced multiple convictions on separate charges for severe animal abuse, yet this "producer" completely defends her actions, showing a blatant disregard for animal welfare.

Animal cruelty is a serious issue that demands our urgent attention and decisive action. The use of Reba's story for personal gain by someone who defends animal abuse, while having a tainted past in animal care is an affront to all who truly care about animal rights and welfare. By allowing this documentary to proceed, it sends a harmful message that animal abuse and exploitation can be overlooked and even rewarded.

The true purpose of Reba's story should be to educate, inspire, and advocate for stronger protections for animals, not to serve as a stepping stone for personal ambitions. The real Justice for Reba would be seeing the law that was enacted under her name (Nevada AB 381- "Reba's Law") consistently enforced. It is time to take a stand against those who seek to manipulate tragic stories for their personal gain, especially when their own records are marred by mistreatment of animals.

We urge film production companies, distributors, and streaming platforms to refuse any association with the documentary Don’t Fvck With Dogs. Supporters of animal rights and welfare, your voice is crucial in ensuring that a tragedy like Reba's does not become a tool for those who do not have animals' best interests at heart. Sign the petition to stop this unethical exploitation and help protect the dignity of Reba's legacy.

147

Recent signers:
Cynthia Allen and 19 others have signed recently.

The Issue

On a blistering July day in 2024, Reba the Bulldog was placed in a sealed plastic container- a taped tote bin. She was put outside next to a dumpster in the relentless triple digit heat by her owner, Isaac Laushaul Jr. where she was left to die. Reba was found, but unfortunately passed away soon after. Reba is more than just a dog; she represents a beacon of hope and a voice for animals everywhere. Her legacy is not just one of a life lost, but a powerful symbol of the need to address animal cruelty and ensure that justice is served to those who harm voiceless creatures. Now, this legacy is under threat from unethical exploitation by a "film producer" seeking to profit from her tragic story.

This producer - Justin Sweatland, who has abandoned and mistreated animals in his care, is attempting to jumpstart his nonexistent film career by creating a documentary about Reba. This move is not only morally reprehensible, but it also actively undermines the very cause Reba now symbolizes. His wife - Shelley Boyd Sweatland, has faced multiple convictions on separate charges for severe animal abuse, yet this "producer" completely defends her actions, showing a blatant disregard for animal welfare.

Animal cruelty is a serious issue that demands our urgent attention and decisive action. The use of Reba's story for personal gain by someone who defends animal abuse, while having a tainted past in animal care is an affront to all who truly care about animal rights and welfare. By allowing this documentary to proceed, it sends a harmful message that animal abuse and exploitation can be overlooked and even rewarded.

The true purpose of Reba's story should be to educate, inspire, and advocate for stronger protections for animals, not to serve as a stepping stone for personal ambitions. The real Justice for Reba would be seeing the law that was enacted under her name (Nevada AB 381- "Reba's Law") consistently enforced. It is time to take a stand against those who seek to manipulate tragic stories for their personal gain, especially when their own records are marred by mistreatment of animals.

We urge film production companies, distributors, and streaming platforms to refuse any association with the documentary Don’t Fvck With Dogs. Supporters of animal rights and welfare, your voice is crucial in ensuring that a tragedy like Reba's does not become a tool for those who do not have animals' best interests at heart. Sign the petition to stop this unethical exploitation and help protect the dignity of Reba's legacy.

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Petition created on January 17, 2026