In a disheartening case of animal cruelty, two women were arraigned today at the McAllen Municipal Court. Sydney Wells and Leticia Sanders have been formally charged with 94 counts of animal cruelty each, following the rescue of nearly 100 animals from their residence.
The arraignment comes after McAllen police officers responded to a report of a foul odor emanating from a house over the weekend. Upon investigation, authorities discovered 93 dogs and one cat, all in various states of malnutrition and neglect. The judge, citing state law, ordered that neither woman is allowed to possess pets while the case is pending. Additionally, both Wells and Sanders have been assigned a bond of $188,000 and were warned that, even if they post bond, they are prohibited from having pets at their residence.
The rescued animals have been transported to the Palm Valley Animal Society Center, where they are receiving much-needed care. The shelter is currently appealing to the community for assistance, particularly in need of groomers to address overgrown nails and matted fur, as well as fosters to provide temporary homes for the recovering animals.
Those who are able to offer support are encouraged to contact the Palm Valley Animal Society at (956) 686-1141. As the community rallies to aid these neglected animals, the case against Wells and Sanders serves as a stark reminder of the importance of animal welfare and the legal consequences of cruelty.
For more information on how to help and for updates on this case, visit foxrgv.tv.
