SILVER CREEK, N.Y. (WIVB) — After receiving complaints from various western New Yorkers about a dog left outside, Sheriff’s in Chautauqua County say one dog is back inside.

Complaints poured in from neighbors and concerned dog owners who say a German Shepherd was left outdoors for hours in the subzero temperatures with little shelter.

A Facebook group called Dogs Deserve Better championed the cause after seeing a video which claims the dog had been outside. Just this evening a local lawyer said he would work for free on anybody’s behalf who wants to save an animal’s life.

“In a nutshell, the law demands that dogs left outdoors be provided shelter particular to climate conditions,” Matthew Albert, a Chautauqua County lawyer said on Facebook. “There are many factors involved in evaluating that question.”

Albert said a lawsuit wasn’t a way to remedy the situation in a quick manner. He pointed to authorities who can confiscate the animal or force owners to take care of it.

At 8:20 p.m. Thursday the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s office said the German Shepherd had been given water, fed and taken inside.

If any neighbor observes a neglected dog which hasn’t been provided with shelter, food or access to fresh water, it can be reported to local authorities, they say it will be referred to the local animal control officer.

Chautauqua County Sheriff’s say they dispatched an officer to respond to the incident Thursday. They say the owners were providing love, warmth and water for the dog.