Reno, Nevada — A Nevada man already accused of violently torturing a kitten to death in San Francisco is facing renewed scrutiny after an animal rescue organization revealed he allegedly adopted two more kittens shortly before his arrest. The latest allegations have sparked fresh concerns about how someone with a reported history of animal abuse was able to obtain more pets.
Rescue Says Suspect Adopted Two Kittens Before Arrest
According to The Biggest Little Cat Rescue, William Ohlson, 33, visited a PetSmart store in Reno and adopted two three-month-old kittens, Haven and Nola, through the organization’s adoption program.
The rescue said Ohlson indicated on the adoption paperwork that the kittens were intended as a surprise birthday gift for his girlfriend, Lindsay Maillo.
However, the organization later shared troubling details about what happened after the adoption.
In a statement posted on social media, the rescue said Haven was found abandoned inside a carrier in a dumpster near Ohlson’s Reno residence only days after being adopted.
Officials later confirmed that Nola was recovered safely.
Rescue Says Suspect Was on ‘Do Not Adopt’ List
Laura Herbst, Director of Communications and Animal Advocacy for The Biggest Little Cat Rescue, said representatives from Washoe County Regional Animal Services informed the organization that Ohlson had reportedly been placed on the agency’s “Do Not Adopt” list.
The rescue has questioned how the adoption was approved despite that reported designation.
Authorities have not publicly explained whether the list was accessible during the adoption process or whether any procedural failures occurred.
Arrest Came After Missed Court Appearance
Ohlson was arrested at gunpoint in downtown Reno last Thursday after authorities said he failed to appear for a scheduled arraignment in San Francisco Superior Court.
His absence prompted a judge to issue a bench warrant, leading law enforcement officers to locate and arrest him in Nevada.
He is currently being held at the Washoe County Detention Center on four charges related to resisting an officer and failing to obey a court order.
The arrest stems from a separate California case in which prosecutors allege Ohlson violently tortured a kitten inside an ATM vestibule on Market Street in San Francisco during the early morning hours of July 1.
Long Criminal History Includes Prior Animal Abuse Case
Court records show Ohlson has an extensive criminal history in Nevada dating back to 2016, including cases involving drug offenses, property crimes, and repeated failures to appear in court.
Records also indicate that he pleaded guilty in 2020 to a charge involving the attempted killing or torture of a white kitten at a Walmart in Reno.
Following that conviction, Ohlson entered a court-supervised drug rehabilitation program and was expected to graduate. However, officials say he still has two unresolved criminal cases filed in 2022 and 2025, in addition to the latest allegations.
New Animal Cruelty Charges Added
Prosecutors have now filed three additional charges against Ohlson in a July 2026 case. The new allegations include killing or abusing an animal, animal neglect, and obstructing a police officer.
The investigation into both the California and Nevada cases remains ongoing as authorities continue gathering evidence.
Animal welfare advocates say the case underscores the importance of stronger safeguards within pet adoption systems to help prevent animals from being placed in dangerous situations.
What do you think should change to better protect animals from repeat abuse offenders? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
