Two Lenoir County women charged with animal cruelty
Photograph source: DMV
From Lenoir County Animal Services NC Facebook Page:
Two Lenoir County residents have been arrested and charged with animal cruelty after multiple animals were found dead and in emaciated conditions on their properties.
Sienna Stallings, 19, of Juniper Ln., Deep Run and Holly Bautista, 41 of Edwards Ave., Kinston were arrested following Lenoir County Animal Control’s animal cruelty investigation.
On August 18th, 2025, Lenoir County Animal Control received an anonymous phone call requesting a welfare check at Juniper Ln Deep Run, NC. Upon performing a welfare check Officers discovered several deceased dogs on the property in advanced stages of decomposition. Officers observed several living dogs and immediately took them into custody due to unsanitary living conditions, lack of proper food, water and shelter. The dogs also presented with emaciated body conditions. The owner, Sienna Stallings, was issued a warrant for animal cruelty and taken into custody.
On September 5th, 2025, Animal Control was contacted by several individuals who had entrusted the care of their dogs with Stallings. Animal control discovered these dogs were being held at Edwards Ave unbeknownst to Animal Control, in care of Holly Bautista, mother to Stallings. Animal Control took custody of all dogs belonging to other individuals. Most of the dogs have been reunited with their owners and the process is ongoing.
On September 9th, 2025, Animal Control performed a search warrant on the property and all remaining dogs belonging to Stallings and Bautista were seized.
Sienna Stallings was charged with (4) counts of Felony Animal Cruelty, (10) counts of Misdemeanor Animal Cruelty, (2) counts of Instigate Cruelty to Animals, (4) counts of Failure to Dispose of Dead Domestic Animal and (2) counts of Resisting a Public Officer.
Holly Bautista was charged with Felony Cruelty to Animals, (2) counts of Instigate Cruelty to Animals, (7) counts of Misdemeanor Cruelty to Animals, and (2) counts of Resisting a Public Officer.
Additional charges are possible with the continued investigation.
Lenoir County Animal Control encourages anyone with information related to this case to please contact them at: Animalcontrol@lenoircountync.gov
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