MERRILL, WI (WSAU) -  Lincoln County deputies are trying to figure out who left a dog tied to a post in the bitter cold weather Monday. The mixed breed dog was found along Highway 51 near Merrill exit 205. A concerned driver reported the dog, and deputies took it to the Humane Society. The male dog had a collar but no tags.

Lieutenant Tim Fischer says the dog is in relatively good health, but was a bit nervous around strangers. Now it just needs a good home.

Investigators are treating this as an animal abuse case, since the dog could have easily died in the cold weather, unable to get away from the short leash.