UPDATE (07/16/2020)
On July 14 Lorna Danley was again arrested and was charged with another count of animal neglect. This time ARL officials were called to the property to rescue a cat who had been abandoned in her former home, left in the hot and empty apartment for nearly a week without food or water. There were more animals in Danley’s new home that were also removed, bringing the total pets removed from her care to 10: 2 dogs, 3 cats, 3 kittens, and 2 ferrets.
While we anxiously await resolution in the courts for both cases (hopefully including the prevention of future pet ownership), there is some happy news to share as well. Duke and Mariah have been gaining weight and are now both in loving homes!
In a twist of fate, we learned that Duke had actually been STOLEN from his home last summer and his family had been looking for him all this time. We were able to reunite Duke (whose name is actually Stan) with his very relieved family who have been working closely with their veterinarian to continue his recovery.
Mariah has also found a wonderful family to love. Her new family had been looking for a dog at the ARL for many weeks, taking their time to find the perfect match. As soon as they met Mariah, they knew she was the one.
UPDATE (06/18/2020)
Lorna Danley of Des Moines, was arrested this morning and charged with 2 counts of animal neglected and cited for multiple other animal ordinance violations related to the Duke and Mariah case below. Danley is currently in the Polk County Jail (mugshot and charges attached). Duke and Mariah continue to improve each day and are expected to make full recoveries.
ORIGINAL POST (06/12/2020)
It just keeps happening.
In just the past few weeks, so many pets have arrived at the Animal Rescue League in need of lifesaving care. Gut-wrenching cruelty cases – stabbings, burnings … and now starvation.
Duke and Mariah arrived at the ARL in the nick of time, rescued from their Des Moines home. They are literally skin and bones – Duke weighs only 37.5 pounds, about half of what his normal body weight should be. Our veterinarian said if they’d not been rescued, he would have been dead within a week. Mariah wouldn’t have had much longer.
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Our Emergency Care Team was ready when the dogs arrived, and within minutes the sweet pups were receiving subcutaneous fluids for dehydration and eating the first food they’d had in who knows how long. They’re now on a careful refeeding program to help them regain their weight safely and are being closely watched by our medical team.
The most amazing part? Even after all they’ve been through, they are incredibly sweet and gentle dogs, eager to please and eager for love. Even in their frail state, they could not stop wagging their tails. They knew they were finally safe.
Duke and Mariah didn’t get this way overnight. Their nightmare of pain and suffering had been going on for weeks, if not months. And their journey to recovery is expected to be long. We’re taking things one day at a time right now.
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The investigation in their case is ongoing, but they need your help now.
Your one-time donation to our Miracle Medical Fund today will help Duke and Mariah and others in need of lifesaving care right now, and your monthly donation will help them and countless others who will arrive at our doors in need of a miracle.
Sadly, the need is high … and it is growing. Your donation is needed now more than ever.
P.S., When you donate today to help Duke and Mariah or enroll in our Loyal Friends Club, you’ll be automatically enrolled to receive exclusive updates on their progress.
