In a disturbing incident that shook Las Vegas recently, an elderly couple was apprehended for the grotesque hoarding and abuse of animals. Law enforcement authorities found themselves in a scene of horror when they discovered ten deceased and twenty living dogs languishing in an unidentified room within a Las Vegas hotel, alongside other canines, rabbits and guinea pigs in various states of distress.
Dubbing the investigation a nightmare, authorities have uncovered nearly 100 animals in deplorable conditions across the couple’s car, their unidentified residence and a hotel room. The shocking revelation that approximately 25 of these innocent creatures were dead at the time of discovery was reported by Las Vegas TV station KSNV.
Carolyn Luke and Timothy Miller, the suspected individuals, aged 72 and 79 respectively, now face serious legal repercussions. Each was handed down 11 charges for animal abuse. The alleged charges revolve around the tormenting, reckless overdriving, physical harm to, and abandonment of guinea pigs, according to court files referenced by another Las Vegas TV station, KLAS. Additional cruel acts causing suffering to a number of dogs might bring forth more charges against the accused.
Tuesday saw Luke and Miller making their first appearance in Boulder City court with arrangements made for another hearing, albeit virtually, on Thursday. Post-arrest, both suspects were booked at the Henderson Detention Center, where they have been detained as of Tuesday.
The sequence of events was set into motion when, at about 5 p.m. Friday, a Boulder City police officer pulled the couple over near the intersection of Nevada Way and Juniper Way in Boulder City, located about 30 miles southeast of the famed Las Vegas Strip. A grisly discovery awaited the officer upon approaching the vehicle.
As the car window was rolled down, officers were hit with the pungent stench of dead animals. The officer’s search of the accused’s car revealed 51 guinea pigs and rabbits, 11 of which were deceased and packed into plastic totes and luggage, according to the Boulder City police. The remaining days only worsened the case as four more guinea pigs succumbed to their conditions.
In a statement by Boulder City police, Lieutenant Thomas Healing detailed, “Our officers knew right away that something was wrong.” After expressing concerns over the other animals at her home and a Las Vegas hotel room, Mrs. Luke prompted the immediate notification of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.
Ann Inabnitt, the supervisor of Boulder City Animal Control, highlighted the steep cost of veterinary treatment for the surviving animals in her comment to KSNV, hinting at a figure that possibly runs into thousands of dollars.
She expressed appreciation for the quick effort of those who alerted the officials and the immediate response by the authorities in the matter. “It may be weeks before we have an exact number of impounded animals as we’re also finding out that some of the pets are pregnant,” she added.
The couple was exposed after a tip-off to Boulder City police by Gina Greisen, the president of the Nevada Voters for Animals organization. Greisen bravely followed the couple to Boulder City after receiving a report of a possible hoarding case. In an impassioned plea to authorities, she vocalized her determination to see this through. “I am going to follow them until I run out of gas. I need to find out where these animals are,” she stated to KSNV.
The Henderson and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) have yet to release any further information on their investigations to KLAS. However, it has been reported that LVMPD officers responded to an animal complaint in the West Valley, which might relate to the accused couple, according to KLAS.
