Recently we told you about a poor dog who was left outside on a chain during the sub-zero temps in Knox County. We're happy to tell you this story has a good ending, but there's more.

His story quickly took off with hopes Maverick could get a second chance.

Last month, the Knox County Humane Society shared the dog's story on Facebook after they took him in from the frigid temperatures after getting complaints about his poor living conditions.

As a result, the shelter was determined to keep Maverick from being returned to his previous owner. They turned to Facebook, asking the community to help them keep Maverick for good.

But at the time, the dog's previous owner told our news partners, Local 4 News he had no intentions of giving the dog up.

The shelter decided to take legal action, reaching out to the Knox County State's Attorney.

On Tuesday, Maverick got the happy ending they'd been hoping for.

His previous owner willingly gave up the dog, and was charged with Violation of Owner's Duties, a Class B misdemeanor.

Maverick was legally adopted by a family friend of the previous owner, who has wanted the dog from the start.

But the story doesn't end here.

A member of the Humane Society Board of Directors now hopes to establish, 'Maverick's Law' in Knox County which would prohibit any dog from being  left outside for more than six hours at a time. It's an ordinance already in place for the city of Galesburg, and now they're hoping Maverick's story will help them expand that law county-wide.

 

If convicted, Maverick's previous owner will be banned from owning another animal for up to 30 months. According to Local 4 News, he's expected to appear in court next month. See video of a happy Maverick here.

 

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