Man accused of animal cruelty for killing own dog

EDWARDSVILLE -- A southwestern Illinois man faces charges related to the shooting death of his pet St. Bernard.

A Madison County grand jury on Thursday indicted 54-year-old Walter Nettleton of Moro of aggravated cruelty to animals and obstructing justice, both felonies. He's also accused of possessing a firearm without a firearm owner's identification card. That's a misdemeanor.

Authorities say Nettleton used a .357-caliber handgun Oct. 21 to shoot his dog three times in his backyard, then buried the animal there.

Sheriff's investigators say the animal had been suffering seizures, and there was evidence the dog did have health problems.

Animal control officers exhumed the dog's remains as part of the investigation.

Nettleton's bond was set at $20,000. His telephone number is unlisted.