Rock Hill man charged after dog found malnourished, chained

A Rock Hill man was jailed after police found a malnourished dog chained to a dog house in freezing temperatures, according to law enforcement records.

Officers responded to a report of animal neglect Monday at a home in the 700 block of Rockdale Street, according to a police report. They found a 1-year-old pit bull that was so malnourished her ribs, spine and hip bone were visible through her skin. The dog was chained to a dog house with a chain that weighed more than the dog itself and was attached to the collar with a padlock.

The chain was tangled, and the dog could not reach her water bowl, which was frozen solid due to the freezing temperatures at the time, police said. Shawn Jennings, 31, approached officers and said the dog was his and that “she was fine.”

York County Animal Control responded and determined the dog needed medical attention for two untreated cuts on the dog’s legs and her lack of nourishment, police said. The dog was taken to the animal shelter.

Jennings was charged with ill treatment of animals. He was placed in the Rock Hill city jail, where he remained Tuesday under $2,000 bond.

This story was originally published February 16, 2016 at 11:18 AM with the headline "Rock Hill man charged after dog found malnourished, chained."