ROSSVILLE, Ga. — A Rossville couple is facing multiple charges following an investigation into the death of a dog that authorities say may have suffered from prolonged neglect.

According to officials, 33-year-old Andrew James Groncki and 23-year-old Megan Gibson have been charged with cruelty to animals, improper disposal of a dead animal, and failure to maintain responsibility for control of rabies. Groncki is also charged with obstruction of an animal control officer.

The investigation began on March 16 at a residence on Carline Road after a case manager with the Georgia Department of Family and Children’s Services reported concerns about a dog that was no longer heard barking during routine visits.

Walker County Animal Control officers conducted a welfare check at the home, where Gibson told authorities the dog had died after refusing to eat, losing weight, and experiencing vomiting and diarrhea. She said Groncki, her fiancé, planned to dispose of the animal’s remains.

When officers later spoke with Groncki at his workplace, he stated he had not sought veterinary care for the dog while it was alive. He also told investigators that an individual he met on Facebook was expected to remove the remains.

Authorities returned to the residence to follow up with Gibson. While on the back porch, Animal Control Officer Terry Helton discovered what appeared to be the dog’s paws and legs protruding from beneath a sheet in the backyard.

The remains were transported to a local veterinarian for a necropsy. According to officials, the examination determined the dog had been deceased for approximately three to five days. The veterinarian also found a cloth-like material lodged in the animal’s stomach, preventing proper digestion, which authorities say likely led to a slow death by starvation.

Walker County Animal Control Director Tyler Bishop said that, based on the investigation, both Groncki and Gibson were aware of the dog’s declining condition but chose not to seek medical treatment.

If convicted, Groncki could face up to three years in prison and substantial fines. Gibson could face up to two years in prison, along with significant fines.