Search continues for Las Vegas veterinarian who apologized for kicking horse
Share and Follow

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) Nearly a week after a video showing a man kicking a horse sparked outrage online, the search for a Las Vegas veterinarian remains ongoing, according to officials at Lake Mead National Recreation Area.

Dr. Shawn Frehner, 56, was last seen around 9 a.m. on Sunday, April 6, entering the Lake Mead Recreation Area through the Boulder entrance. His truck was later found parked at Hemmenway Harbor with his keys, wallet, and cellphone inside, officials said.

As of Friday, the search was still active, and investigators said, “You don’t have to tell us who you are, but please tell us what you know.”

Frehner, 56, was last seen around 9 a.m. on Sunday, April 6, entering the Lake Mead recreation area through the Boulder entrance. (Lake Mead NPS)

Frehner is described as 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing around 190 pounds.

According to a missing person report, Frehner’s father told investigators he doesn’t believe his son would harm himself.

Earlier this month, Frehner apologized and admitted to kicking a horse he had been paid to administer anesthetic shots to at a Nevada property.

Shawna Gonzalez, the property owner, previously told Nexstar’s KLAS that she witnessed Frehner kicking one of her horses in the head. Gonzalez said the injured horse was taken to the Desert Pines Equine Center, suffering abrasions to the skull and unnecessary injuries from gelding.

“[Frehner] left my property before my horse was even up,” she said. “My horse was still down for a good 45 minutes after he left and before he left, there’s several people that were there, and even they can state that he was kind of in a rush off my property.”

The alleged incident was caught on video, which quickly went viral online.

Shawna Gonzalez witnessed Frehner kick the horse in the head, leaving an abrasion. (Courtesy Shawna Gonzalez)

Frehner responded online, posting that he “did not blatantly haul off and kick this horse as it appears in the video.”

“That was not my intention at all,” Frehner wrote. “It was done simply to get the horse in a better position so that he could breathe and get up and move so I could again try to anesthetize.”

Frehner did end the post with an apology and admitted to kicking the horse, adding that he wished “this never happened.”

On April 7, the Nye County Sheriff’s Office confirmed a criminal investigation into the incident had been launched.

The same day, multiple agencies began searching for a missing person in the Lake Mead Recreational Area. Sources confirmed to KLAS that they were searching for Frehner. As of Sunday morning, authorities have not provided any additional details about the search for Frehner.

Records KLAS obtained showed the Nevada State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners placed Frehner’s license on probation in 2016. He agreed to a year-long license suspension.

The Nye County Sheriff’s office is investigating him for animal cruelty following a complaint from the horse’s owner. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to contact the NPS tip line at 888-653-0009 or call 911.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Nicki Minaj risks losing her $20m mansion over unpaid judgment sum

Nicki Minaj Faces $20M Mansion Foreclosure: Unpaid Judgment Threatens Lavish Home

Nicki Minaj has been mandated to pay a sum of $503,000 after…
Oscars: Complete list of nominees for the 98th Academy Awards

Academy Awards 2025: Discover the Full List of 98th Oscars Nominees

“Sinners” has achieved a milestone with an unprecedented 16 Oscar nominations. WASHINGTON…
Illegal immigrant accused in deaths of college soccer player, girlfriend had prior DWI dismissed: records

Undocumented Immigrant Charged in Tragic Deaths of College Athletes Previously Avoided DWI Charges

In North Carolina, a fatal DUI accident involving an illegal immigrant has…
REAL reason the Beckhams hate 'childlike' Nicola Peltz

Unveiling Tensions: Why the Beckhams Reportedly Disapprove of ‘Childlike’ Nicola Peltz

Brooklyn Beckham has officially severed ties with his family, a move he…
Rob Steele listens a prosecutor describes his fiancee Mary Marshalls

North Carolina Teen Admits Guilt in Tragic Shooting, 5 Lives Lost

An 18-year-old has admitted guilt to murder and other charges in connection…
Early findings of Renee Good's independent autopsy released by law firm

Law Firm Unveils Initial Results from Renee Good’s Independent Autopsy

Romanucci & Blandin, the legal team advocating for the family of Renee…
Judge shot at home with his wife says he won't be scared off bench

Brave Judge Defies Fear After Home Shooting Incident Involving Wife

An Indiana judge, who was the target of a shooting alongside his…
Retired colonel points to secret non-human recovery mission in Brazil

Former Colonel Reveals Covert Non-Human Retrieval Operation in Brazil

A former US Air Force fighter pilot has come forward with claims…