Posted on: April 2, 2024, 09:56h.
Last updated on: April 2, 2024, 09:56h.
A couple was arrested recently for the alleged hoarding and abuse of animals. Authorities discovered 10 deceased and 20 alive dogs in a room at an unnamed Las Vegas hotel, as well as other dogs, rabbits and guinea pigs elsewhere.
Authorities now reveal almost 100 animals were located either in the couple’s car, unidentified residence, or the hotel room. It turned out 25 of them were dead, according to Las Vegas TV station KSNV.
The discovery led to their arrests. They were identified as Carolyn Luke, 72, and Timothy Miller, 79. Each was charged with 11 counts of animal abuse.
The initial charges stem from the “torturing, overdriving, injuring or abandoning” of guinea pigs, according to court documents cited by Las Vegas TV station KLAS. More charges are possible in connection with the dog abuse.
The suspects appeared in Boulder City court on Tuesday and are to once again appear before a judge, this time virtually, on Thursday.
Both suspects were booked at the Henderson Detention Center where they remained as of Tuesday.
Initially, the couple was stopped by a Boulder City police officer at about 5 p.m. on Friday near the intersection of Nevada Way and Juniper Way in Boulder City which is about 30 miles southeast of the Las Vegas Strip.
Dead Animals in Car
When the occupants rolled down a window, officers could smell dead animals inside the car,” Boulder City officers revealed in a statement.
Cops found 51 guinea pigs and rabbits inside their car. As police searched the vehicle, 11 of the guinea pigs were found dead. They were stuffed into plastic totes and luggage, according to KSNV. In the ensuing days, four more of the guinea pigs died.
“Our officers knew right away that something was wrong,” Boulder City Police Lt. Thomas Healing added in the statement. “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.”
When reached for comment by KSNV, Ann Inabnitt, supervisor of Boulder City Animal Control, noted that veterinary treatment for the animals will likely cost thousands of dollars.
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,” she added. “I appreciate the efforts of the person who called us with the tip, as well as the quick response of officers to investigate.”
Animal Advocate Investigates
Boulder City cops stopped the suspects’ vehicle after receiving a tip from Gina Greisen, KSNV reported. She is president of the Nevada Voters for Animals organization.
She drove to the couple’s residence after getting a report of possible animal hording. She then followed their car to Boulder City.
I made it very abundantly clear to all the agencies including Metro I’m not letting go. I am going to follow them. I don’t care how until I run out of gas. I’m gonna follow these people because I’m going to find out where these animals are,” Greisen was quoted by KSNV.
“They need to be held accountable. They need to be brought to justice.”
Henderson and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) officers declined to provide additional details on their investigations to KLAS.
It also was reported that LVMPD officers responded to an animal complaint in the West Valley. It may relate to the two suspects, KLAS reported.
