Bruce Arlyn Austin and Jamie Lynn Cross are being sought by police in the alleged abuse of three dogs. Photo provided
GRAND BLANC TWP. — Sheriff Chris Swanson was asking for the public’s help in locating a Grand Blanc Township couple wanted for questioning in the deaths of two puppies.
Authorities are looking for 46-year-old Bruce Arlyn Austin and 43-year-old Jamie Lynn Cross who are wanted for questioning in connection with the case.
Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton has authorized “harsh charges,” Swanson said. The charges include three counts of killing or torturing an animal, a four-year felony, and one count of animal cruelty, a one-year felony.
Anyone that has information should contact the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office or 911.
Cross and Austin may have connections in Traverse City and the state of Arizona, the sheriff said.
“We don’t need vigilantes,” Swanson said. “We need information. If you know where they are, call 911. We have these warrants in LEIN. We will work with those agencies and find a way to bring them here and hold them accountable to the people of Genesee County.”
In a Facebook Live on Friday, Jan. 31, Swanson said Genesee County Animal Control officers were dispatched to the Parkwood Mobile Home Park in reference to an abandoned dog at 5185 Justin Dr. on Nov. 27.
The park manager stated the residents were last seen by witnesses moving their belongings out on Nov. 11, the sheriff said in a press release. The park manager stated he received reports of a dog barking inside the residence.
Genesee County Animal Control located one dog that was still alive and two deceased puppies. The dogs had been abandoned inside the property, Swanson said.
Genesee County Veterinary Doctor Terri McCormick examined the animals and determined the puppies suffered from severe starvation. The report revealed the puppies were so hungry that hair, plastic and metal were all found in their stomachs.
“They tried to claw and bite their way through the door,” Swanson said. “While these dogs were trying to survive, the ‘owners’ were doing who knows what.”
The surviving dog from this case, Bubba, a black and white mixed breed has since been adopted and has a new home.
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