An 82-year-old Shaftsbury woman has been cited for animal cruelty after Vermont State Police found a beagle left outside for hours in extreme cold with no food and frozen water, authorities said.

According to police, troopers responded to an animal cruelty complaint on January 23, in the Shaftsbury Hollow area of town. Troopers found a beagle chained outside next to a small, exposed structure made of wooden pallets. The structure was uninsulated and offered little protection from the elements.

Troopers reported the dog had no food available and that its water bowl was completely frozen. The beagle was observed shivering and was cold to the touch, indicating prolonged exposure to the frigid conditions. At the time, the National Weather Service had issued extreme cold and winter storm warnings, with temperatures below freezing.

Following an investigation, police determined that Matilda E. Blodgett, 82, of Shaftsbury, was responsible for caring for the dog. Blodgett was issued a citation and is scheduled to appear in Vermont Superior Court, Bennington Criminal Division, on March 30, 2026, at 8 a.m.

The beagle was taken from the scene and transported to Mount Anthony Veterinary Hospital for evaluation and care.