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Las Vegas, NV (KTNV) -- Two horses found living in squalor in a backyard last fall are one step closer to a new home.
 
The rescue group Local Equine Assistance Network, or L.E.A.N., has taken custody of the animals and promises their next home won't be like their last. The group said the horses Mariposa and King could be ready for adoption in about ten days.
 
"Honestly, I think they're going to get a good home, a permanent home, pretty soon," said Amanda Baldridge, a kennel supervisor who cared for the horses over the last few weeks.
 
Baldridge said the horses look much different than November when Action News first saw the duo emaciated and living in feces in the backyard of a home off Caprino Street. Mariposa could barely stand because of problems with her hoof. That's when neighbor Stephen Carabas turned to Action News.
 
In November, owner Tonia Thompson told us she could not afford to house the horses elsewhere. The city of Las Vegas cited Thompson three times because her yard is not zoned to hold horses, according to a city spokesman. The city said Thompson agreed to turn over the horses to the city so they could get medical treatment.
 
"We want all of our animals to find the right home," said Baldridge.
 
The horses will get new names, which have not been decided, said L.E.A.N.'s Paula Isenbarg. The mare still needs treatment for some medical problems.

The new owner will have to undergo a rigorous evaluation to make sure they are the right fit, including an application and barn tour, Isenbarg said. It's unclear how long it will take to find the animals a new home.
 
"It's always good to put some much effort and work into helping these animals and actually see a really good return in it," said Baldridge.