A Chattanooga man has been arrested after a severely malnourished dog was found in his back yard.
Rheubin Taylor, 37, was charged with animal cruelty.
An officer said he found the dog while investigating a separate incident on Sept. 2. He said the dog was tied out in the sun and there were empty bowls nearby.
The officer said the dog's rib cage was visible through the skin, the anus appeared to be prolapsed, and it appeared that the dog's back two legs were not working. The dog tried to get up, but could only do so on the front two legs.
Officers gave the dog four bottles of water and moved it out of the sun.
Mr. Taylor said he has been taking care of the dog. Mr. Taylor's brother said the dog had been attacked by coyotes a few nights earlier. The brother said Mr. Taylor had been giving the dog shots prescribed by a vet, but could not remember the vet's name.
Officers called in McKamey Animal Center officers and it was taken in to the animal shelter due to its condition.