UPDATE: Papillion man out on bail; hundreds of animals rescued from home in cruelty case

Edward Luben was booked into the Sarpy County jail Wednesday for the cruel neglect of animals in his care.

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – UPDATE (1:59 p.m.) –  Luben appeared in court this morning after files were charged against him for the criminal neglect of hundreds of animals in his home.

Luben’s bail was posted at $10,000, he posted the required 10 percent ($1,000) and was released from custody.

He is scheduled to appear in court again on April 12 for a preliminary hearing.

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On Wednesday, Edward Luben was booked into the Sarpy County jail after 665 animals were rescued from his home in Papillion, Nebraska.

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Luben was booked on seven felony and five misdemeanor charges for the cruel neglect of animals in his care, said the Sarpy County Attorney’s Office.

The Nebraska Humane Society and Papillion Police Department rescued the animals in December 2021, approximately 70 of which were deceased.   Animals rescued from the home include exotic birds, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals.

The surviving animals were evaluated at the Nebraska Humane Society, two had to be euthanized due to the severity of their injuries.

Deputy County Attorney, Dominique Jones, has been working closely with the Nebraska Humane Society and Papillion Police Department.

“These animals were living in deplorable conditions. Many of them were severely malnourished or had physical impairments due to their living conditions,” Jones said. “The fact that so many of the animals survived is a testament the Nebraska Humane Society’s work. They spent countless time and resources rescuing the animals.”

If you have information that may lead to the discovery of animal abuse or neglect, contact the Nebraska Humane Society at 402-444-7800, ext. 1