BAN CHAINING DOGS OUTSIDE IN EXTREME WEATHER

Starved pit bull chained outside found frozen solid.
A starved, chained pit bull in Muncie, Indiana was found by authorities last Thursday - but help came too late, as the dog was frozen solid.

The Star Press reported yesterday that police were investigating a property at 1415 E. Highland Ave. after utility workers discovered two chained pit bulls, one of which had already passed away.

According to officials, the deceased dog, who was posthumously named "Tris" by Muncie Animal Shelter employees, took more than three days to thaw out.

The surviving dog, who was named "Katniss" by shelter employees, was in poor condition, but she is now recovering in a foster home. According to shelter officials, Katniss was "terribly thin," but she appears to have no other significant medical issues.

Authorities are searching for the person who abandoned both of these dogs.

According to Muncie Police Department sergeant Seth Stanley, both dogs were discovered when utility workers went to the home to shut off the power. The authorities are investigating this animal cruelty case and are searching for the tenant who left behind these dogs.

While the search for her abuser continues, Katniss is on the mend. This golden pit bull appears to be approximately seven or eight years old and she's described as a "very nice dog." Her friend Tris was approximately four to seven years of age - and it appears that her death was slow and painful.

A veterinarian's report states that Tris' body was discovered "in an outdoor dog house covered in snow." Tris' cause of death is officially listed as "starvation and hypothermia."