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Des Moines woman charged with animal neglect after dogs found described as 'skin and bones'

Lorna Danley was booked into the Polk County Jail Thursday morning.

DES MOINES, Iowa — NOTE: The pictures accompanying this story may disturb some viewers.

A has been arrested and charged for neglecting two dogs that the Animal Rescue League of Iowa described as being "skin and bones." 

Lorna Danley of Des Moines is facing two counts of Animal Neglect, and cited for other ordinance violations related to two dogs, Duke and Mariah. 

Danley has been released from the Polk County Jail.

Last week, the Animal Rescue League of Iowa rescued the two pets from a home. They said Duke was in the worst shape, weighing just half of his body weight. One of their veterinarians said Duke would have died if he wasn't rescued within the week. 

Mariah was also in bad shape, according to the ARL.

Credit: Polk County Sheriff's Office
Lorna Danley

The ARL said both Duke and Mariah are improving each day, and are expected to make full recoveries. 

Credit: Animal Rescue League of Iowa
Duke
Credit: Animal Rescue League of Iowa
Mariah

"We’re taking things one day at a time right now," the ARL said in a statement.

The rescue comes as Iowa looks to strengthen its animal cruelty laws, which experts consider to be among the weakest in the country.

Recently, the Iowa House unanimously passed House File 737, a bill strengthening the penalties if convicted of animal mistreatment.

It passed in the Senate on Saturday in a 44-4 vote.

The Community and Pet Protection Act clarifies the legal definition of animal neglect, abuse, and torture.

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