PAGE COUNTY, VA (Rocktown Now) — Two individuals were taken into custody over the weekend after an investigation into dogs being kept outside in freezing temperatures.

The Page County Sheriff’s Office reports that on Sunday, February 1, at about 6:30pm, deputies responded to a report of a tethered dog exposed to frigid weather conditions in the northern vicinity of Shenandoah.

Officials say that upon arrival, deputies observed conditions consistent with animal neglect. One canine was located tethered and deceased, believed to have died as a result of prolonged exposure to extreme environmental conditions and malnutrition. Deputies also located four additional canines being kept outdoors without adequate shelter from the freezing temperatures.

PCSO says that as a result of the investigation, one adult male and one adult female were taken into custody, and each was charged with:

• 1 count of felony animal cruelty

• 3 counts of Class 1 misdemeanors

• 6 counts of Class 4 misdemeanors

The deceased canine was transported for necropsy. The four living canines were taken to the Page Animal Shelter.

Anyone with information regarding animal neglect or cruelty is asked to contact the Page County Sheriff’s Office at 540-743-6571. If an animal is in immediate danger, call 911.