Sioux City woman charged with starving dogs, cats gets probation

A Sioux City woman, Zunilda Reyes Vega, 32, has been placed on probation after pleading guilty to animal neglect charges. In Woodbury County District Court, she was charged with two counts of aggravated misdemeanor animal neglect, leading to a plea agreement where a 365-day jail sentence was suspended. Instead, she has been sentenced to two years of probation and is required to pay $4,828 in restitution to the Sioux City Animal Adoption and Rescue Center.

The case against Reyes Vega began when animal control officers responded to complaints regarding the condition of dogs at her Morningside home on September 9. Upon investigation, officers discovered four pit bull mix dogs, aged between 4 months and 3 years, in extremely poor health, showing visible signs of starvation, and suffering from fleas, worms, and sores on their bodies.

In addition to the malnourished dogs, officers found a deceased dog outside the residence and another dead dog in a kennel, alongside a dead cat whose examination revealed severe internal damage. The living conditions for the animals were dire, with no food or water and significant unsanitary conditions throughout the home.

Following her arrest on October 9, five additional counts of animal neglect against Reyes Vega were dismissed as part of her plea deal. The court’s decision focuses not only on punitive measures but also on offering Reyes Vega an opportunity to rehabilitate and fulfill her restitution obligations.

This case highlights ongoing concerns regarding animal welfare within the community, prompting calls for increased awareness and action to prevent similar situations in the future.