SPCA Rescues Charlie from a Buffalo Garbage Tote

Thanks to the actions of some very observant City of Buffalo Sanitation Department workers and representatives from the City of Buffalo Animal Shelter, a dog close to death is now being cared for at the SPCA Serving Erie County.

“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 was unable to stand on his own, and his temperature upon arrival at the SPCA registered at only 92 degrees after being a mere 90 degrees shortly after being found.  The emaciated dog, an adult male Pit Bull Terrier mix, received fluids, antibiotics, and pain killers while being warmed as quickly as possible. He has several pressure sores on various parts of his body, and numerous cuts and scrape on his head, face, and other areas.

At the time of this writing, Charlie’s temperature had increased to 98.5 degrees and he was able to hold up his head, stand for very short periods of time, and was wagging his tail. 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.

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. The SPCA will respond to anonymous tips. Keep watching YourSPCA.org or the SPCA’s Facebook page for updates on Charlie’s progress.