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WEBVTT GRIMES MAN IS FACING CHARGES THIS MORNING. THE SUSPECT IS 21-YEAR-OLD TYLOR NOKE JUST IN THE LAST EVENING, THE ANIMAL RESCUE LEAGUE OF IOWA SENT US THESE HEARTBREAKING PICTURES OF CHARM AND RITZ. THEY WERE BROUGHT TO THE ARL BY THEIR OWNER BACK ON DECEMBER 6 IN SERIOUS MEDICAL CONDITION. THE SIX-MONTH-OLD KITTENS SHOWED EVIDENCE OF HEAD TRAUMA. RITZ COULDN’T STAND OR WALK. AND CHARM WAS BLEEDING FROM THE MOUTH. BOTH KITTENS HAVE HAD WE

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The Animal Rescue League of Iowa said Thursday that a man charged with animal neglect after kittens were found in “horrific condition” has been sentenced to probation and community service.In December, six-month-old kittens, Charm and Ritz, arrived at the ARL in horrific condition. ARL officials said the kittens showed evidence of major head trauma, a skull fracture, lung trauma, and so much more. ARL officials learned a third kitten was taken to the vet months earlier for a degloving jaw injury and head trauma and did later died. Charm and Ritz survived, but have permanent brain damage from their abuse. They were adopted as a special needs adoption by one of their ARL medical caretakers who fell in love with them. Tylor Nokes pleaded guilty to two counts of Animal Neglect, Death or Serious Injury. He was sentenced to two years of probation and 50 hours of community service for each count and a $315 fine.In court documents, Nokes admitted to kicking the cats in the head, causing skull fractures.ARL officials said both sentences were deferred, even though Nokes has a history of violent charges with assault charges in both 2015 and 2016. “This case is one of far too many that illustrates the need for stronger penalties for animal abusers and improved definitions for prosecutors. The Animal Cruelty bill that we have been working on for several years will address both,” said Tom Colvin, CEO for the Animal Rescue League of Iowa. “This afternoon, the Iowa Senate Judiciary Committee will vote on the Animal Cruelty bill that the Iowa House passed unanimously last week. It’s imperative that the bill passes out of the committee today to stay alive this sessions and go to a full senate floor vote.”