Tiffany Ward

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - A Tennessee woman has been charged with animal cruelty after officials say she chained a puppy to a tree and allowed him to starve to death.

The Commercial Appeal reported that 33-year-old Tiffany Ward of Memphis was being held on $10,000 bond.

Police say an anonymous tip Tuesday led officers to the 6-month-old puppy, which had been dead for at least two days, on a 2-3 foot leash while the food and water were at least 6 feet away. The food had mold in it, and the dog had no shelter.

A veterinarian with Memphis Animal Services said the dog's sunken eyes and revealed ribs showed that he had been starved to death. Police say Ward later told investigators that the dog was hers.