Largest Case in NHS History March 22, 2025

Today’s story is from Steve Glandt, our Executive Vice President of Field Operations, with his perspective of one of the largest cases in NHS history.

“On Dec. 17, 2021, investigators Ronnie Schlabs and Misty Binau went to a home in Papillion to follow up on a complaint of animal hoarding and neglect. When they arrived, they found the house to be in complete disrepair and the property littered with soiled animal cages, aquariums and junk. They were able to contact the homeowner, Ed Luben, who was very guarded in conversation and wouldn’t allow investigators in any part of the house except the garage.

As the conversation progressed, investigators could hear numerous birds inside the house, and they observed a cage in the garage that was overcrowded with birds and a cage with neglected-looking ferrets.

After speaking with Mr. Luben, Schlabs and Binau left and began background work to develop additional probable cause for a search warrant to check on living conditions inside the house. The warrant was served on Dec. 20th and investigators discovered 582 living animals and 75 deceased animals. They included a toucan, ferrets, macaws, snakes, a tortoise and a large tegu, who was eventually adopted and given the name “Billy Bob.” Animal Control Officers spent the next two days removing the animals, documenting conditions and collecting evidence.

Meanwhile, back at the shelter, NHS employees from every department and volunteers united together to prepare for the massive influx of animals. Because of the time of the year, cold weather required extra precautions be given when transporting some of the animals. Other animals, due to their advanced conditions of neglect, required additional attention from the Animal Medical staff. These animals remained under the expert care of the NHS staff for many weeks until other arrangements could be made either through adoptions or transfers to other shelters.

It is amazing to think that our staff could meet the needs of so many neglected animals while continuing to maintain the daily shelter operations. This is a true testament to the dedication of our staff and volunteers. Not to mention how much the community came together, donating in a number of forms – monetarily, along with with much-needed supplies, time and expertise. It was a true team effort – and it was a BIG team.

Eventually, Mr. Luben, who coincidentally found himself in trouble with the law years earlier for animal hoarding and neglect, had his day in court where the judge found him guilty and sentenced him to three years in prison.

It was something special to see and be a part of this experience where people rallied together as one to rescue and care for so many neglected animals.”

-Steve

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