Brownsville woman arrested after authorities find dog severely malnourished

BROWNSVILLE, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A Brownsville woman was arrested for allegedly severely malnourishing her dog, claiming she could not "financially care for the animal."

Maria Mendez, 73, was charged with cruelty to non-livestock animal, a class A misdemeanor and was issued multiple citations from the Animal Services that included violations related to humane treatment, proof of vaccination, certificate of vaccination, display of tags and microchipping.

^{Maria Mendez (Source: Brownsville Police Department)}

On March 31, 2025, the Brownsville Animal Control Officers responded to a report of animals who had no food and water at the 2000 block of E. 22nd Street.

At the scene, authorities found four dogs on the property, one of which was found to be extremely malnourished, according to a news release from the Brownsville Police Department.

The dog's owner, identified as Mendez, admitted to authorities she could no longer "financially care" for the animals and surrendered them to Animal Services.

The case was then referred to the Brownsville Police Department, where, based on the evidence gathered, authorities obtained an arrest warrant against Mendez.

On April 25, Mendez was arrested on charges of cruelty to a non-livestock animal.