HOLLY LYNN BAUTISTA and SIENNA MARIE STALLINGS arrested after a welfare check uncovers dead dogs in stages of decomposition in Lenoir County

- North Carolina, USA -

Lenoir County Animal Services announced the arrest of 41-year-old HOLLY LYNN BAUTISTA and her daughter 19-year-old SIENNA MARIE STALLINGS (both pictured).

These arrests are the result of an investigation which Animal Services began last month.

In a press release the agency said that on August 18, 2025, they received an anonymous phone call requesting a welfare check at a residence on Juniper Lane in Deep Run.

At the residence, responding officers sadly discovered several deceased dogs in advanced stages of decomposition.

Officers also found many live dogs who were immediately removed from the home due to “unsanitary living conditions, lack of proper food, water and shelter,” stated the release. Animal Services said the live dogs were emaciated.

At that point, officers charged STALLINGS, the dogs’ guardian, and she was taken into custody.

On September 5, 2025, Animal Control was contacted by several individuals who had entrusted the care of their dogs with STALLINGS. Officers learned that those dogs were being held at the home of STALLINGS’ mother, BAUTISTA, on Edwards Avenue in Kinston.

Animal Control Officers took custody of all of the dogs and are in the process of reuniting them with their families.

On September 9, 2025, ACO executed a search warrant at BAUTISTA’s home and removed all of the remaining dogs belonging to BAUTISTA and her daughter.

BAUTISTA was charged with two felony counts of cruelty to animals, two counts of instigate cruelty to animals, seven misdemeanor counts of cruelty to animals, and two counts of resisting a public officer.

STALLINGS is facing four felony counts of animal cruelty, ten misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty, two counts of instigate cruelty to animals, four counts of failure to dispose of dead domestic animal, and two counts of resisting a public officer.

Additional charges are possible with the continued investigation.

###

Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is sourced from the press release by Lenoir County Animal Services NC. Please note that details may be removed or new information added should updates become available.

In the case of charges being dropped, dismissed, or the case being purged, this article will be rectified accordingly, if official documentation is provided to Voice For Us.

Mugshots via DMV

For more animal cruelty stories, please click here. Thank you!