Trial has been set for two Niles brothers accused of animal cruelty in June.

Ronald and Donald Wheeler, 65-year-old twins, waived their preliminary hearings and were bound over for trial Tuesday in Berrien County South County Court in Niles.

The Wheelers are each facing one charge of felony animal abandonment or cruelty of 10 or more animals. The maximum penalty for the charge is four years in prison and a $5,000 fine. The Wheelers could also be ordered to never own, possess or take care of animals again.

The charges stem from June 21 when police, using a search warrant, seized nine cats from a residence owned by the Wheelers at 925 S. 14th St. in Niles. Another cat was found dead in the yard, according to police. Court documents state the odor coming from the home “was so strong officers had to wear a breathing mask inside.”

The inside of the home was described by police as unsanitary, hazardous and unlivable for any human or animal.

Police could be seen searching the home in white coverall suits.

“It’s probably the worst I’ve ever seen,” said Niles Police Det. Chad Mitchell the day of the search.

A next-door neighbor called police on June 20 after finding in her yard a kitten she described as sick. She told police the kitten had come from the Wheeler’s property.

Police were unable to make contact with the homeowners June 20, but returned the following day with a search warrant.

The Wheelers are out of $5,000 bond. They have been ordered not to possess, own or care for any animal while on bond. However, the court is allowing Donald to possess one dog if it is under the care of his wife.

The trial is set for October.