Carolyn Luke

The Clark County District Attorney's Office said Tuesday that 16 dogs were found dead in a house and hotel room for Timothy Miller, 79, and Carolyn Luke, 72, back in March.

A total of 16 animal cruelty charges have been filed against them, one for each dog, District Attorney Steve Wolfson said in a statement.

"These helpless dogs lived, and died, in deplorable conditions," Wolfson said. "They were consistently deprived of their most basic needs - - food, water, and medical attention - - for a prolonged period which led to organ failure."

Each animal cruelty count carries up to four years in prison and a $5,000 fine. Dozens of other animals were found in Miller and Luke's care, including tortoises, guinea pigs, rabbits, hamsters and parrots, according to the D.A.'s office.

The case against Miller and Luke began when Boulder City police officers found multiple animals in their car during a vehicle stop.They received a suspended sentence in May from a Boulder City Municipal Court judge and an order to receive treatment for their hoarding issues.

Las Vegas Metropolitan Police arrested them later that week for the animal abuse cases stemming from their jurisdiction. They were released on their own recognizance after an appearance in Las Vegas Justice Court.