LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – The Clark County District Attorney has filed multiple felony charges against the couple accused of hoarding dozens of dogs, tortoises, birds, rabbits, hamsters and guinea pigs in multiple locations.
Timothy Miller, 79, and Carolyn Luke, 72, face 16 animal cruelty charges after 16 dogs were found dead on March 29; 12 were found in a hotel room and four more were found in their home. Each felony count carries a maximum four years in prison and a $5,000 fine if found guilty.
“The death of each one of these animals was entirely avoidable, yet these defendants did nothing to care for these 16 dogs,” Clark County DA Steve Wolfson said in a statement. “They were severely unkempt, matted, and emaciated.”
Police discovered the animals after Miller and Luke were pulled over in Boulder City and multiple guinea pigs were found in their vehicle. According to police, approximately 51 guinea pigs were found in the car, with 11 of them dead.
That led to a warrant being served to search the suspects’ hotel room and home where dozens of other animals were found. Police said in total, there were 150 animals in their care.
Miller and Luke previously pleaded no contest to animal abuse charges in Boulder City in connection to the initial traffic stop. A judge ruled that they will each serve a two-and-a-half-year suspended sentence on house arrest in connection to those charges.
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