Not Guilty Pleas for Two Involved in Vegas Puppy Shop Arson Case

A business owner and co-defendant pleaded not guilty in state court to torching a Las Vegas, Nev., pet shop where 27 puppies were rescued, and a judge rejected a bid for lower bail.

Despite a lengthy argument by Gloria Lee’s attorney, Clark County District Court Judge David Barker kept bail Wednesday at $310,000 for Lee and Kirk Bills.

Attorneys for both say they can’t post that amount.

The bail hearing came after Lee and Bills were arraigned on a 31-count indictment charging them with arson, conspiracy and attempted animal cruelty.

Trial is set July 7.

Prosecutors say the two were videotaped trying to torch the store early Jan. 27 for the insurance money.

Sprinklers doused flames and firefighters rescued the animals.

The puppies are now the focus of an ownership fight.