Granite City, IL  (KTRS)  A Granite City couple is accused of starving their dog to death.

John Haynes and Jonyce Lockett are both charged with aggravated animal cruelty. Granite City Animal Control responded to a call for a starved and neglected animal on April 4 at the couple’s home on Emert Avenue. Investigators say the dog was found dead when animal control officers arrived.

An autopsy performed at the Animal Care Center determined the cause of death was starvation, after locating pieces of chewed plastic from a doghouse, and no traces of food, in the dog’s stomach.

“We must always fight to protect animals from abuse by holding abusers accountable through
aggressive investigation and prosecution,” said State’s Attorney Gibbons. “I am grateful to the
Granite City Police Department for their excellent work on this investigation, which will allow us to
get justice for the loss of this innocent life.”

Haynes and Locket face up to 3 years in prison if convicted. Their bonds have been set at $50,000.