A Granite City woman has been charged with animal cruelty after her dog was found dead in her home.
The Madison County Sheriff’s Office said that on April 15, deputies were called to a home in Granite City for a report of a dead dog. When they arrived, they found the dog, a pit bull mix, dead in the home.
The dog’s owner, identified as 24-year-old Kaitlyn M. Smith, was arrested and charged with aggravated animal cruelty.
According to the sheriff’s office, Smith had been living in the home with the dog for several months and had not been providing it with adequate food, water, or shelter. The dog was found to be severely malnourished and dehydrated.
The sheriff’s office said that Smith had been warned by animal control officers in the past about the condition of the dog, but had failed to take any action to improve its living conditions.
Smith is currently being held in the Madison County Jail on a $50,000 bond. If convicted, she could face up to three years in prison.
The sheriff’s office said that this case serves as a reminder to pet owners to take proper care of their animals and to seek help if they are unable to do so. Animal cruelty is a serious crime and those found guilty can face serious consequences.