Skeletal dog found abandoned in garbage tote

The SPCA Serving Erie County is caring for a skeletal dog who was discovered abandoned in a garbage tote. According to the animal welfare agency, the pit bull mix, dubbed Charlie, was “close to death” when he was found. In a release, the animal shelter recounted how the emaciated dog was found:

“Charlie” was found today in a garbage tote at a residence in the Bailey Ave./Walden Ave. area of Buffalo. City of Buffalo Sanitation Department employees found the dog during scheduled garbage collection tasks earlier this morning. The dog was immediately transferred by the City of Buffalo Animal Shelter to the SPCA Serving Erie County, where he received emergency life-saving care.

Charlie’s dismal condition

When Charlie was first found on January 22, he was too weak to stand on his own. When he arrived to the SPCA, his temperature only registered at 92 degrees (100.5 is considered to be normal), and his body was covered in pressure sores and abrasions. Upon arrival, Charlie was provided with fluids, antibiotics and pain killers.

The SPCA has guarded optimism for Charlie’s recovery – stating:

SPCA Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. Helene Chevalier cautions, however, that, due to the severity of the emaciation and the inability to know at this time the condition of Charlie’s internal organs and their ability to operate effectively, it is too soon to make predictions on survival, although she is optimistic.

On Wednesday, the SPCA posted a video showing Charlie devouring his food:

https://www.facebook.com/SPCAErieCounty/videos/2051091611671978/

Information needed

SPCA Animal Cruelty Investigators are asking for information from anyone who may be familiar with this dog and how he ended up in such poor physical condition, and information on who may have placed the dog in the garbage tote. Anyone with information that could prove helpful in an investigation is encouraged to call the SPCA at 716-875-7360 and speak with an officer or dispatch operator, or hit extension 221 to leave a message for SPCA Investigator Bill Heine. The SPCA will respond to anonymous tips.

Find the Facebook page for the SPCA here.

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Yesterday: Man fatally mauled after jumping into lion enclosure at zoo – the story here.

Heartwarming! Recently rescued dog found alive 17 days after bolting from her foster home – more here.