Vegas Puppy Shop Owner Pleads Not Guilty in Fire

A pet shop owner pleaded not guilty to fraud and attempted theft charges in a fire at a Las Vegas, Nev., pet shop where 27 puppies and dogs were rescued by firefighters.

Records show Gloria Lee entered her pleas Wednesday in Clark County District Court on an indictment filed April 16.

She’s accused of trying to collect a $3,500 insurance claim for losses from the fire.

Lee and co-defendant Kirk Bills previously pleaded not guilty to felony and misdemeanor arson, conspiracy, burglary and attempted animal cruelty charges that carry the possibility of decades in state prison.

They’re jailed on $340,000 bail pending trial July 14.

Prosecutors say video shows them setting a Jan. 27 fire that was doused by sprinklers at Lee’s Prince and Princess pet shop in southwest Las Vegas.