# Nye County Fights to Keep 148 Animals, Including Dogs, Seized From Pahrump Rescue Operator

Source: https://dogfriendlylasvegas.com/dog-news/local-dog-news/nye-county-fights-to-keep-148-animals-including-dogs-seized-from-pahrump-rescue-operator/
Published: 2026-09-29

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A Nye County judge has delayed a decision on whether the county can permanently keep 148 animals seized from a Pahrump rescue operator, with the case now continued to November, [reports 8 News Now](https://www.8newsnow.com/news/local-news/nye-county-seeks-to-take-possession-of-148-animals-seized-during-abuse-investigation/).

 

The county is seeking permanent possession of animals taken from Kimberly Aurich, who runs Drag’n Ass Rescue and Sanctuary in Goldfield.

 

Aurich told the outlet the animals are livestock, including horses, donkeys, mules, goats, sheep, and dogs.

 

Deputies arrested Aurich on July 31, 2025, after investigators alleged the animals were not getting adequate food and water.

 

A forfeiture hearing was held Monday before Judge Robert Lane in Nye County District Court.

 

At the hearing, a Nye County prosecutor said Aurich backed out of a plea deal that would have dismissed 19 misdemeanor charges if she pleaded no contest to one count.

 

Aurich reportedly dismissed her attorney after the deal fell apart.

 

Her new attorney, Ofelia Markarian, said Aurich never read the plea agreement and questioned the basis for the charges.

 

She also argued that the 148 animals are not tied to the misdemeanor counts, and she asked for a full inventory of the animals and an accounting of the $132,000 in restitution the state is seeking.

 

The criminal case, the forfeiture dispute, and the restitution request all remain unresolved. Charges are allegations, and Aurich is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

 

The case also highlights long-running strain on rural animal care in Nye County.

 

A 2019 county review found that poor coordination among the shelter, courts, and Sheriff’s Office had lengthened stays for animals held in protective custody and raised costs.

 

Volunteers have stepped in to fill gaps elsewhere in the county, including the [all-volunteer group featured in our coverage of Search Squad of Pahrump](https://dogfriendlylasvegas.com/dog-news/local-dog-news/volunteer-group-that-has-rescued-2500-animals-in-pahrump-is-asking-for-a-reliable-vehicle/), which has helped rescue lost and abandoned animals across the county.