A Las Vegas animal search and rescue group is sounding the alarm after they say that a group of people destroyed the thermal drone they use to search for lost and injured animals in the desert. The drone was tracking a dog who had been hit by a car when it suddenly went offline, and volunteers with Paws Patrol LV say that they found it a short time later, broken and floating in nearby washes.
After retrieving the drone, it was clear that it had been destroyed intentionally by someone (or multiple people), hindering the search and rescue efforts. Paws Patrol LV posted the story to their Facebook group, asking for donations so that they could replace the $7,000 piece of equipment.
Worst of all, the group added that they were still searching for the dog as well, since the drone had been taken out before they were able to locate the bleeding pup and get him to safety. The story quickly went viral and was picked up by local Fox News station Fox5 KVVU-TV, which is trying to help get the word out.
Fortunately, there is a bit of a happy ending to the story, and several people have come forward with financial support to help Paws Patrol LV buy a new drone so they can continue their very important work.
The Dog Was Limping Before Disappearing Into the Thick Brush
The July 20 Facebook post explained how the volunteers had pulled out the drone after they were unable to find the injured dog, who was hiding in the thick brush alongside the road. “We searched on foot, but the vegetation was simply too dense to see through with flashlights,” the post said. “So we launched our thermal drone… one of the most valuable rescue tools we’ve ever owned.”
Less than a minute after the drone went up, the volunteers told Fox5 that they heard cursing and angry voices, which they believe belonged to the unhoused people who live in the area.
“This thermal drone has helped us locate and save countless lost, abandoned, and injured animals throughout Las Vegas and even California,” the Facebook post continued. “It has found dogs buried deep in washes, hidden in the desert, and lying injured where no human eye could ever see them.”
The Injured Dog Remains Missing
Destroying the drone cost Paws Patrol LV more than the $7,000 they say the expensive piece of equipment cost the organization, it also greatly reduced their chances of finding the missing pup. “We’ve been coming out here day and night and beating the brush, so to speak,” Kelly Winder, a volunteer with the group, told the news station.
“We desperately needed to find that dog. He was bleeding. He was hurt. And that destroyed our chance,” fellow volunteer Tii Riga agreed.
There was an outpouring of support for Paws Patrol LV on Facebook, and several people made financial donations. Meanwhile, others volunteered their time, including one man who said he owns a few drones and would be willing to come out and help them look.
“I’m a part 107 licensed operator. Please DM me here if you need a volunteer,” the good Samaritan wrote. “I’d also be more than happy to look at your downed unit to see if it’s savable.”
Paws Patrol Received Two New Drones Days After the Story Went Viral
In a July 24 post, the group shared a happy update about the drone, announcing a generous donation. “A truly amazing woman, the owner of Crosswinds Inn in West Yellowstone, Montana, has now donated TWO brand-new thermal drones to Paws Patrol LV,” the update said. “This incredible gift means our volunteers can search multiple areas at the same time, helping us find more lost, injured, and abandoned animals when every minute counts.”
The animal rescue group also took a moment to thank everyone for their financial donations, saying the money would go toward purchasing new batteries for the devices.
Sadly, it seems the dog at the center of the original search-and-rescue operation remains missing. Hopefully, the search continues, and he’s found and able to get the help he needs.