Emaciated and dehydrated puppies rescued in Des Moines, suspect arrested

DES MOINES, Iowa (KCRG) - On Monday, June 13, 2022, the Animal Rescue League of Iowa (ARL) saved two puppies that were found at a property in Des Moines.

The puppies, Zeus and Kyda, were found in fragile and weak conditions due to starvation and dehydration. Crews on site say their fur was stained from lying in their own waste.

Kyda was found lying on a balcony in the direct sun on one of the hottest days of the year (heat index in the hundreds) with no water, shelter, or any way to get indoors.

An on-call vet gave the puppies IV fluids to help fight the extreme dehydration.

Police arrested Nathaniel Bifford, 32, in connection to this case. Bifford is facing two counts of animal neglect.

The puppies are currently being monitored as crews safely help them regain weight.