Melissa Steiner's 12-year-old daughter Malory witnessed an unthinkable deed.
"It is just disgusting. I still can't believe somebody would do something like that," said Melissa, of Royalton, NY.
While mowing her lawn, Malory saw a dark colored SUV drive by and throw — what at first looked like — a bag of trash, then drive off.
However, something bizarre happened.
"The bag started walking down the road. I saw that it was starting to rip and it was around his neck," said Malory.
What was inside? A small elderly pug, who they've nicknamed Teddy, was tossed away like trash and left for dead.
"There were just flies, gnats and the smell was just unbearable," said Melissa.
This isn't the first time we've seen dogs treated like literal garbage; 13-year-old Jonathan Flatt also discovered a trash bag full of unwanted puppies.
They called the police and Teddy was turned over to Buffalo Pug and Small Breed Rescue.
"He has some extensive skin issues, possibly allergies, mange, and not sure if he has some eye issues," said Chris Catchpole of the rescue group. After receiving medical treatment, Teddy will spend his final days in a loving foster home.
Dog Control Officer Scott Wymyczak says there has been a recent rash of abandoned dogs. He believes that owners do not want to pay the fee to surrender animals to the SPCA.
However, he believes this story should serve as a reminder: If you can no longer care for an animal, please contact local animal rescue groups! Animals should not be discarded like yesterday's trash, they are living things who deserve a second chance.
If you have any information about the owner please call: Town of Royalton Dog Control at 716-417-5151, the Niagara County Sheriff's Office, or SPCA Niagara.
Please SHARE to help find Teddy's abusive owner and spread awareness about options besides the SPCA.
