LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – The Boulder City Police Department reported that it received a tip on Friday, March 29 regarding an animal abuse and hoarding situation in a car driving in the city.
Officers saw that the car had a broken taillight and stopped the couple driving it at around 5:00 p.m., near Nevada Way and Juniper Way. When the occupants rolled down a window, officers said they could smell dead animals inside the car.
Boulder City Police and Boulder City Animal Control Officers searched the car and found a total of 51 guinea pigs and rabbits, with 11 of the guinea pigs dead, inside a variety of plastic totes and luggage. Four additional guinea pigs have died since then. Boulder City Police and Animal Control removed the animals from the scene.
“Our officers knew right away that something was wrong,” said Lt. Thomas Healing of the Boulder City Police Department. “The female suspect was concerned about other animals that they said were at their home and a hotel in Las Vegas, and immediately notified Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.”
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department got search warrants and found 30 dogs inside a hotel room, with 10 of them already dead. The search warrant on the suspects’ house found 15 dogs and more guinea pigs.
“Veterinary treatment will likely cost thousands of dollars for these animals,” said Ann Inabnitt, Supervisor of Boulder City Animal Control. “We’re also finding that some of the pets are pregnant, so it may be weeks before we have an exact number of impounded animals. I appreciate the efforts of the person who called us with the tip as well as the quick response of officers to investigate.”
The couple, both in their 70s, face eleven counts each of torturing, injuring, abandoing or starving an animal. Because it is their first offense, they are charged with misdemeanors, according to Boulder City police. Additional cases in Las Vegas could include felony charges.
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