Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo signs bill that would stop felony animal abusers from early release
AB159 was inspired by Jason Brown, who was sentenced to 28 years in prison after torturing and dismembering seven dogs he got off Craigslist in Reno.
Mark Robison
Gov. Joe Lombardo signed a bill Wednesday that would keep felony animal abusers from getting out of prison early for good behavior.
Assembly Bill 159 was inspired by Jason Brown, who was sentenced in 2015 to 28 years in prison after torturing and dismembering seven dogs he got off Craigslist in Reno.
The issue came to light because of a snafu with how Brown was categorized in the Nevada Department of Corrections’ computer system.
He’d been classified “violent,” but animals are property under Nevada law and a designation of violence can only be made when the victim is human.
AB 159 made a small change to the part of Nevada law that lists when offenders are not allowed to get credit off their sentences for good behavior.
The current exceptions include violent crimes and felony sexual offenses. The bill adds felony animal cruelty.
Who supported the bill
It sailed easily through the Nevada Legislature with broad bipartisan support.
Northern Nevada sponsors included Republicans P.K. O’Neill, Jill Dickman, Rich DeLong, Alexis Hansen and Ken Gray as well as Democrat Natha Anderson.
The bill was also supported by Washoe County District Attorney Chris Hicks.
“The acts of animal cruelty committed by Jason Brown were horrific and warranted the maximum penalty under the law,” Hicks said when the bill was introduced.
“The fact that someone convicted of such terrible crimes could be released years before his minimum sentence was served is offensive and significantly diminishes the certainty that should exist in our criminal justice system.”
Jason Brown eligible for parole in 2025
Brown had become eligible for parole last year, three years sooner than expected after the Department of Corrections' reclassification. The Nevada Board of Parole Commissioners denied his early release after more than 2,000 people submitted comment opposing his release.
He will not be eligible for another parole hearing until April 1, 2025, according to the Nevada Department of Corrections.
Mark Robison covers local government for the Reno Gazette-Journal. Email your comments to mrobison@rgj.com, follow Mark’s Greater Reno Facebook page and subscribe to his free weekly Greater Reno newsletter.