A veterinarian named Dr. Shawn Frehner has gone missing at Lake Mead following disturbing video evidence of animal abuse involving a horse named Big Red. The National Parks Service is leading the search effort for Frehner, who is accused of felony animal abuse by the horse’s owner, Shawna Gonzalez. Gonzalez filed a criminal complaint with the Nye County Sheriff’s Office, and Frehner is currently missing.
Gonzalez described the incident as horrific and stated that her trust in Frehner, who was supposed to provide medical care for Big Red, was broken. She filed a criminal complaint accusing Frehner of felony animal abuse, and the Nye County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that they took a report for animal abuse listing Frehner as the suspect. Big Red, a rescue horse, is currently in recovery from a surgical procedure and being cared for by another veterinarian.
Before his disappearance, Frehner posted an apology and statement on social media, claiming that Big Red was aggressive and wouldn’t respond to sedatives, leading to the accidental kicking incident. Frehner’s whereabouts are still unknown, and search crews are continuing to search the area around Lake Mead. Anyone with information is urged to contact officials at Lake Mead.
