BOULDER CITY, Nev. (KTNV) — The couple accused of hoarding nearly 200 animals earlier this year will get to serve their sentences on house arrest.
On Tuesday, Judge Victor Miller ruled that Timothy Miller, 79, and Carolyn Luke, 73, will be able to serve their two-and-a-half year sentences on animal cruelty and hoarding charges on house arrest.
PREVIOUS REPORTING: Couple accused of animal abuse, hoarding sentenced in Boulder City court
The judge, however, said the couple can't keep any pets or animals at their residence and must undergo counseling. Miller and Luke were found earlier this year with nearly 200 guinea pigs and rabbits — some deceased and others malnourished — in three different area locations.
Tuesday's proceedings were regarding the couple's charges out of Boulder City. In March, Boulder City police received a call from a person working with an animal advocate group who said she was following a Ford SUV that might have multiple animals in the back of the vehicle.
An officer pulled the couple over and reported he saw several chunks of fur in the center console of the vehicle and he smelled animal feces. Officers searched the vehicle and found seven pet carriers that contained 51 animals.
The report states 40 animals were alive, including guinea pigs and rabbits, and that officers also found 11 dead guinea pigs. The couple also were found to have animals at a residence in Clark County and at a Las Vegas hotel.
Miller and Luke are scheduled to be released on Wednesday. Boulder City prosecutor Thomas Moskal says it's possible the couple could also face additional charges in other jurisdictions.
