Vegas vet linked to horse-kicking video missing at Lake Mead

A Las Vegas veterinarian who came under fire over the weekend after videos surfaced showing a man repeatedly kicking a downed horse has now vanished without a trace, prompting an active search in the Lake Mead area.

Dr. Shawn Frehner, a longtime veterinarian and Ohio State University graduate, was identified by many online as the man in the viral footage, which ignited widespread outrage across social media platforms (confirmation of the identity of the person in the video has not been released by law enforcement or other official entities). The video, showing a horse being struck multiple times while lying on the ground, was quickly labeled “pure abuse” by online users, with animal-rights groups and equine advocates demanding accountability.

Frehner later took to social media to defend himself and explain the context of the clip, stating the horse was a minimally handled mustang colt undergoing castration. He described the animal as a “man-eater.”

“I did not blatantly haul off and kick this horse as it appears in the video. That was not my intention at all,” Frehner wrote in a now-widely shared Facebook post. “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.”

“I love my job and I love helping people and their horses. I am very sorry,” he added.

Many of the videos, as well as Frehner’s apology, have since been removed from social media. 

Despite the apology, the backlash was swift. Frehner’s family told local news station FOX5 that he had been the target of online harassment following the video’s release. Shortly after posting his statement, he disappeared. He was last known to be headed toward Lake Mead, according to family and friends.

Now, multiple agencies, including the National Park Service, Las Vegas Metro Police, and Red Rock Search and Rescue, have joined efforts to locate Frehner. Sources confirmed to FOX5 that he is the subject of the ongoing search in the area.

The Nye County Sheriff’s Office has also opened an investigation into the incident, as reported by the Las Vegas Review-Journal, confirming they are looking into possible animal cruelty charges.

Frehner’s website describes him as a lifelong Las Vegas resident with a deep background in veterinary medicine and equine care.

After completing undergraduate work at BYU and earning his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from The Ohio State University in 1997, he began an ambulatory equine practice in Las Vegas the following year. He also had a history of rodeo competition and off-road motorcycle racing.

In the wake of this controversy, a wave of support has emerged. Many individuals, including longtime clients and friends, have stepped forward to share their experiences, offering insight on social media into the man they know beyond the headlines.

Tina Louise Bond-Kuglin, who has relied on Frehner for nearly a decade to care for her horses and goats, emphasized his dedication, compassion, and reliability, particularly in emergencies.

“He’s always treated me, my family & all my animals with the up-most respect & care,” she wrote, while also questioning the intentions of those behind the accusations and calling for a fuller picture of events to be considered.

Debbie Merriman noted her horse received proper treatment under Frehner’s care, stating, “We may not always agree, but he gave my mare medicine and a month of stall rest … she’s doing great.” 

Others, such Tomi Truax, were more vocal in defending Frehner against what they described as a smear campaign.

“They want to believe their narrative … not the facts,” she wrote, expressing frustration with online reactions. Truax and others pointed to inconsistencies in the accuser’s statements and questioned the motives behind the hidden recording.

Personal stories poured in — accounts of Frehner responding to emergency calls on Sundays, checking in on recovering animals via text, and making time for last-minute appointments. Kara M. Walker shared, “The man I know let me text him pictures of a wound and gave me guidance at no charge … The man I know is not perfect … and neither are ANY OF US.”

As news broke that Frehner was reportedly missing near Lake Mead, concern deepened. Friends, clients, and community members flooded social media with prayers for his safety and emotional appeals for him to return home.

“Please return to your family. You can get through this,” Jordan Battistone posted, while others echoed similar sentiments: “You are loved and wanted,” “Praying for your return and safety,” and “Please be safe.”

As of Tuesday morning, Frehner remained missing.