VERMILION PARISH, La. (KLFY) -- Two Rayne residents who face numerous charges in connection with alleged animal cruelty are looking to suppress evidence, saying law enforcement officers searched their home illegally.

JaVonna Charles, the attorney representing both defendants, said their position is that the law enforcement entered the pair's home "without a valid search warrant or an exception to the search warrant rules."

The defendants, Cortney Himel and Timothy Faul, each face more than 20 counts of simple cruelty to animals.

In court today, a judge heard testimony and received evidence. The judge ordered that prosecutors and the defense submit post-trial memoranda. A ruling will be made afterward.

"The witnesses were rather inconsistent. The testimony was not consistent with the evidence that was presented and I believe that could cause some issues going forward with the state," Charles said.

"I believe that their case was seriously undermined today."

The next court date in the matter is in February.

Charles also represents Himel and Faul in a civil lawsuit that was filed in late October against the Vermilion Parish Rabies Animal Control, an animal shelter in Kaplan.

In the civil suit, 14 dogs were seized after the Vermilion Parish Sheriff's Office investigated a complaint of animal abuse at Himel and Faul's home.

The pair allege that the dogs were not getting the proper nutrition, shelter, and medical treatment needed while under the care of the animal shelter.

In the days following filing the lawsuit, the parties agreed to allow the dogs to be removed from the Vermilion Parish Rabies Animal Control's care and placed into foster homes.

This is continuing coverage. KLFY will provide updates as the case develops.

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