Las Vegas, Nevada – A Las Vegas couple is facing multiple felony charges in connection with an alleged case of pet hoarding and abuse, resulting in the deaths of several animals. Carolyn Luke and Timothy Miller have been accused of hoarding dozens of animals in deplorable conditions, leading to the tragic loss of 16 dogs found dead in their house and hotel room earlier this year.
The Clark County District Attorney’s Office has filed 16 animal cruelty charges against Luke, 72, and Miller, 79, with each count representing one of the deceased dogs. District Attorney Steve Wolfson stated that these animals were subjected to inhumane conditions, deprived of basic necessities like food, water, and medical care, ultimately leading to their demise due to organ failure.
Each animal cruelty charge carries a maximum penalty of four years in prison and a $5,000 fine. Apart from the deceased dogs, numerous other animals were found in the care of Luke and Miller, including tortoises, guinea pigs, rabbits, hamsters, and parrots, as confirmed by the D.A.’s office.
The legal proceedings against the couple began when Boulder City police officers discovered multiple animals in their vehicle during a routine stop. Following a suspended sentence in May from a Boulder City Municipal Court judge and an order for hoarding treatment, Luke and Miller are set to appear in court on August 22, with strict instructions not to possess any animals during their release.
The situation highlights the importance of responsible pet ownership and the consequences of neglect and animal hoarding. The ongoing legal case serves as a stark reminder of the duty to provide proper care and attention to all animals under one’s guardianship, emphasizing the need for increased awareness and action to prevent such tragic incidents from occurring in the future.