Frozen dog found tied to tree near shelter during snow storm

An animal shelter in Utah was forced to remind residents not to leave pets outside their shelter after workers found a dog tied to a tree freezing in the snow.

“Leaving them tied up without shelter and water is a crime,” South Salt Lake City Mayor Cherie Wood Promis wrote on Facebook. “We ask that you give us a call and we will see what we can do to help you and your pet. Don’t just leave your animals in front of the shelter.”

Officials said the dog is now safe, warm and “decompressing in a few days,” but the outcome could have been much worse.

“We will get to know him when he warms up and opens up to us,” they said.

READ MORE: The video shows the dogs being rescued from what is believed to be a training center for dog fighting.

Cold Weather Dog Care Tips

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, here are a few things you can do to keep your pets safe in cold weather: