JEFFERSON CITY, MO -- Update: Friday, Dec. 17 at 1:35 p.m.

A Jefferson City Animal Control said it investigated the condition of the dog on Pike Street and found no animal code violation.

The news release from Jefferson City was two sentences long:

Jefferson City Animal Control has investigated the condition of the dog at 997 Pike Street and has found no indication of an animal code violation. For a copy of the city’s animal code, visit the City Code section at www.jeffcitymo.org or City Hall at 320 E. McCarty St.

Update: Tuesday, Dec. 14 at 6 p.m.

After the huge response to our story on Monday about Ruth Elledge's quest to rescue a cold dog. Tuesday, we asked her how she felt about the response, she said, "I have been totally amazed at the amount of support that I've received from people".

KRCG received an overwhelming number of comments online and emails from people concerned for the dog. People wanted to know how they could help.

We went back to the home to find the dog had been removed. We attempted to contact the owner but no one was home. However, since our story aired they've installed several “No Trespassing” signs.

We also found other dogs just a few doors down in the same situation.

After reviewing Jefferson City's 15 page dog ordinance we asked Elledge if a city of this size needs more.

Elledge thinks it is time to change the laws, "Its definitely time to work at tightening the loose language in the city code so than when a report does come in like that, aninal control can actually do something".

Viewers have asked what they can do to change the laws concerning dogs. Elledge says you can start by contacting your city council member. She and others from her shelter have already sent letters to her council member.

A local veterinarian also talked to us about helpful cold weather tips for animals.

Jeffrey Davis, D.V.M said, “Ideally I think the dog would prefer to be in your bed” he laughed, “but as far as outdoor pets go I think adequate supply of food and water are important, and definitely keeping them well sheltered, keeping them out of the elements like rain, snow, and sleet.”

Davis said outdoor animals also need a high calorie diet because they burn more energy to stay warm.

Update: Monday, Dec. 13 at 6:35 p.m.

Ruth Elledge and some friends have been caring for a dog on Pike Street in Jefferson City. She says she's been giving him food, water and even straw so he can stay warm. She even offered to take the dog in, but the owners won't have it.

Elledge said, "She's ignored everything. I've sent her, I think 3 different letters because I can never catch her at home. She's just hasn't responded, I've begged her to let me help the dog."

The owner's sister stopped by on Monday afternoon, but she refused to be interviewed.

Over the past month or so Elledge says the dog's care has diminished.

Elledge told us, “I took a photograph and he was very thin, his ribs were showing, I checked his water and he had no decent water.”

She even contacted Jefferson City Animal Control after she saw what she thought might be frost bite on the dogs testicles.

She said, “They said 'well he has water even though its frozen, there is a food dish even though there is no food in it and he has shelter which according to city code', it doesn't specify what kind of shelter as long as they have shelter in weather extremes.”

In the future Elledge hopes to change the city code to make it more specific. If you would like to help change the city's code, please contact city leaders.

The owner of the dog says she hasn't done anything wrong. Animal Control also said the dog's owner is within the city code and there is nothing they can do for the dog except give the owner some tips.