Dog Rescued From Garbage Survived Trash Compactor, Too

PERTH AMBOY, N.J. -- A dog that was rescued from a garbage trailer about to be dumped into a pit at a Middlesex County landfill also survived a botched try at euthanizing her and a ride in a trash compactor that compressed its load, authorities said.

"Obviously, it's a miracle," Middlesex County SPCA Officer Michael Iovine said. "The dog was euthanized with drugs, presumed dead, put into a plastic bag and then a trash compactor and compressed, and survived that. It's just amazing it lived through that whole mess."

The SPCA is investigating whether Perth Amboy Animal Control Officer William Paul followed the procedures in attempting to put the dog down.

The 5-year-old shepherd-Lab mix had been owned by a city woman, who brought the dog to the pound on Dec. 3 to be euthanized because she was moving to a place that did not allow pets, Iovine said.

The dog was found in 5 feet of trash in the back of a garbage trailer Dec. 4 after apparently clawing through the plastic bag it had been placed in.

City Police Director Michael Kohut said his department was investigating the incident as a personnel matter; the Animal Control Office is part of the Police Department. The SPCA is conducting its own inquiry.

Civil penalties and disorderly persons charges could be brought if the SPCA finds negligence, Iovine said.

The practice of placing a euthanized animal in a landfill is acceptable so long as the body is properly disposed of, authorities said.

Iovine said Paul recalled giving the dog two shots -- one to sedate her and one to stop her heart -- then listening with a stethoscope for a heartbeat until he heard none.

Paul has worked closely with the SPCA during his 20 years on the job, and there's never been a problem, Iovine said.

About 80 people have called hoping to adopt the dog, who some have taken to calling "Lucky."