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Council proclaims March 19 "Operation Positive Change Day" after undercover sting rescues puppies, leads to arrests
Summary
The Las Vegas City Council honored the Department of Public Safety’s Operation Positive Change, which the proclamation says produced citations, arrests and rescued animals during a multi-day undercover operation.
The Las Vegas City Council on March 19 recognized Operation Positive Change, an undercover effort by the city’s Department of Public Safety and Animal Protection Services, with a proclamation praising arrests, citations and animal rescues tied to illegal breeding operations.
Councilwoman Victoria Seaman presented the proclamation and read the operation’s results into the record, saying the multi‑day enforcement effort produced multiple arrests and citations and rescued animals. The proclamation, read aloud at the meeting, listed specific outcomes, including citations, arrests and rescues that staff said disrupted illicit breeding activity in the valley.
The proclamation recited that the operation — described in the document as a six‑day flex enforcement effort — resulted in 35 citations, two arrests and the rescue of 16 puppies, and that officers seized four firearms, including a stolen AR‑15, during enforcement activity. The document and council remarks attributed those figures to the Department of Public Safety’s enforcement report; the council did not take a formal roll‑call vote on the ceremonial proclamation.
Chief Jason Potts of the Department of Public Safety thanked the council and animal advocates, saying the department would continue undercover tactics and a public reporting webpage for tips. “This support is oxygen for our folks,” Chief Potts said, describing continued enforcement as part of the department’s response to overpopulation. Councilwoman Seaman told the council the operation disrupted online listings and reduced unlawful sales.
The council presented plaques and certificates to members of the public safety flex team and to Animal Protection Services staff during the ceremonial portion of the meeting. The proclamation set March 19, 2025, as Operation Positive Change Day in Las Vegas and urged continued public reporting of suspected illegal breeding.
The council’s recognition follows public concern from animal advocates and repeated enforcement actions by the department and by Las Vegas Metropolitan Police, as reflected in the proclamation text and comments made during the ceremony.
