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Las Vegas, NV (KTNV) -- Two horses taken from a cramped backyard are doing much better in the care of the Animal Foundation, but they still need a permanent home. 

The backyard of a home they were living in was not zoned for horses, but neighbors said they lived there for weeks.

After Action News and the city got involved, the horses are now receiving some much-needed TLC. The question remains where they will move to permanently.

The horse named King has gained nearly 100 pounds in the last month, caretakers say. His companion, Mariposa, has not only gained weight but can stand again.

Back in November, we found the horses emaciated and living in feces. Mariposa could barely stand because of problems with her hoof. That's when neighbors Stephen Carabas turned to Action News.

"We've been putting up with the stench from two horses," Carabas said at the time.

The horses' owner, Tonia Thompson, said she couldn't afford to put the horses elsewhere. Thompson said it would cost her $300 a month to board each horse.

The city of Las Vegas cited Thompson three times because the backyard is not zoned to hold horses. The city gave Thompson nearly a month to find a new home for the horses, but she didn't.

She agreed to turn the horses over to the city so they could get medical attention, but she wouldn't accept an offer from the rescue group L.E.A.N. to board the horses. So for the last month, they've been in the care of the Animal Foundation.

"I've seen a tenfold change in them," said Amanda Baldridge, a kennel supervisor. "Their personalities, their weight, the way that they act...They're just happier and healthier." 

The group L.E.A.N. hopes to take custody of the horses and find them new owners.

"I'm fairly optimistic that both of them will find their forever home," Baldridge said.

Mariposa still has problems with her foot, and King will need minor surgery to remove an ulcer -- both issues the duo will likely take to their next home.

The city still has official custody of the horses. The rescue group said its board met Wednesday to discuss the best way to move forward.

Those interested in adopting the horses should contact L.E.A.N. through their website. The Vice President of the group said they will accept applications and thoroughly screen applicants to make sure the new home is the right fit.