Pct.1 Constable Alan Rosen said that on Sunday, animal cruelty detectives, in collaboration with the Houston SPCA, rescued three malnourished and shivering dogs from the cold.
The remains of a fourth dog that had died were also found as part of the investigation, the constable added.
According to Rosen, two of the rescued dogs were found illegally chained by the necks on a lot in the 10000 block of Safeguard, and another was kept in an open horse trailer.
The dead dog, which investigators said showed signs of extreme malnourishment, also had a chain tether.
Officials said the dogs are now with the SPCA amid the ongoing investigation, which Rosen said will determine if criminal charges are warranted.