A welfare concern reported by a Georgia Department of Family and Children’s Services case manager has led to the arrest of a Rossville couple on multiple animal-related charges.
Andrew James Groncki, 33, and Megan Gibson, 23, are charged with cruelty to animals, improper disposal of a dead animal, and failure to maintain responsibility for control of rabies. Groncki also faces an additional charge of obstructing an animal control officer in the discharge of his duties.
The charges stem from an investigation at a residence on Carline Road that began March 16. Walker County Animal Control officers were dispatched to conduct a welfare check on a dog after a DFCS case manager reported she no longer heard the animal barking during routine visits.
According to reports, Gibson told officers the dog had died after refusing food, losing weight, and showing signs of vomiting and diarrhea. She said Groncki, her fiancé, planned to dispose of the remains.
When officers later spoke with Groncki at his workplace, he admitted he had not sought veterinary care for the dog and said he had arranged for someone he met on Facebook to remove the remains.
Officers returned to the Carline Road property to locate the animal. While investigating the backyard, Animal Control Officer Terry Helton discovered the dog’s remains partially covered by a sheet on the back porch.
The remains were taken to a local veterinarian for a necropsy. Results indicated the dog had been dead for three to five days. The examination also revealed a cloth-like material lodged in the animal’s stomach, preventing proper digestion. The veterinarian determined the condition would have led to a slow death by starvation.
Walker County Animal Control Director Tyler Bishop said both Groncki and Gibson were aware of the dog’s deteriorating condition but chose not to seek medical treatment.
If convicted on all charges, Groncki could face up to three years in prison and significant fines. Gibson could face up to two years in prison along with substantial financial penalties.
