Nearly two weeks after Parsippany-Troy Hills police rescued a pit bull that was left tied to a fence in below-freezing weather, officials say the dog is in need of a good home.

The medium-sized dog was found by Patrol Officer J. Williams as he was conducting a routine property check of the area surrounding the Parsippany Animal Control Shelter. As he scanned the perimeter, he noticed the pit bull tied to a fence with a red leash. Someone had left a dog toy, a bag of food and two bowls.

Williams took the dog into his police vehicle and kept him warm until animal control officers arrived at the shelter. Over the part week and a half, animal control officers and volunteers have grown very fond of the put bull, affectionally naming him Romeo because of his "sweet nature."

"This dog just loves everyone. He is good with dogs and children, just needs some work on his manners such as walking well on a leash and not jumping up. He is active but not crazy, and is very gentle," police said in a press release on their Facebook Page.

Officers believe Romeo is about 1.5 years old. He's also caught up on his shots and appears to be healthy but he needs to be neutered before being taken into a new home, according to the Facebook post.

"At this time the shelter is just taking adoption applications for him right now," the post states.

Anyone interested in submitting an application to adopt Romeo can visit the shelter, located at 1069 Parsippany Blvd. They're open from Monday to Friday from 3 to 5 p.m. and weekends from 9 a.m. to noon. The shelter can also be reached at 973-263-7083.

Reports of animals being left outdoors in the bitter cold have become more frequent this winter. The Associated Humane Societies Newark shelter reported that so far this winter, 26 dogs have been being brought in, including a dog that was left tied to a tree for 48 hours and tangled in its leash.

Toniann Antonelli is the digital managing editor for news at NJ 101.5. Reach her at toniann.antonelli@townsquaremedia.com, or on Twitter @ToniRadio1015.

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