LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – Photos obtained by FOX5 are providing a closer look at the home where dozens of animals were discovered last week in Boulder City.
The animals were discovered in the house of Timothy Miller and Carolyn Luke, who were accused of hoarding the animals, on Wednesday, April 3. They both pleaded not guilty in court the following day.
A search warrant on the suspects’ house revealed 26 live animals living in “small animal pens with excessively soiled bottoms,” and 42 dead animals. Several of the dead animals were discovered in the couple’s freezer, according to a report from Clark County Animal Protective Services.
CEO of The Animal Foundation, Hilarie Grey, told FOX5, “It was a lot of guinea pigs, about 25 dogs, hamsters, birds, even a few tortoises and a rabbit I believe.”
Most of the dogs came in matted and dirty, according to the Animal Foundation.
“This was probably the worst one that I’ve seen,” Boulder City Police Operations Divisions Director, Lt. Thomas Healing, says.
The discoveries inside Miller and Luke’s house were a part of a larger animal hoarding investigation that yielded over 150 animals, both alive and dead, from around the Las Vegas valley.
Boulder City Police say they found 51 guinea pigs and rabbits, with 11 of the guinea pigs dead, inside a variety of plastic totes and luggage inside an SUV. Additionally, on the other side of town, Metro police say they found 33 dogs inside a hotel room, 12 of them already dead.
The Las Vegas Animal Foundation took in 88 animals from the investigation and recovery efforts.
WARNING: Some viewers may find the following images disturbing. Discretion is advised.
Nevada Voters for Animals President Gina Greisen says she got the tip from a guinea pig rescue. She followed the tip all the way to Boulder City, contacting different agencies along the way, until Boulder City Police got involved.
“It’s a disease like many diseases, some people gamble, some people shop,” Greisen says. “Unfortunately, when it’s animals, we’re talking about living beings that are suffering.”
The couple accused of hoarding the animals are due back in court on Thursday, April 11.
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