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Dog Found in Buffalo Receives Lifesaving Care at the SPCA Thanks to Cooperation, Concern from Community Members

February 17, 2023
By: SPCA Chief Communications Officer Gina Lattuca

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UPDATE December 11 — Wednesday, Dec. 13 is our 21st annual Radiothon, and Kenzie’s mom Jessica will be in to tell her story! Tune in during the 9 a.m. hour to hear Jessica on Newsradio 930 WBEN!

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UPDATE March 28 — Well it’s official! Kenzie was adopted by Jessica in Lackawanna! We know they’ll be living a happy life together filled with love! Thanks to all who made miracles happen for Kenzie by donating toward her care!

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UPDATE February 28 — Kenzie’s health has progressed and she was placed in a loving Lackawanna foster home for further recovery! We’re thrilled over Kenzie’s improved health, and at the end of her foster term (an anticipated April date), we will post updates on what happens next for Kenzie!

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UPDATE February 22 — See the latest update on Kenzie here >>

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UPDATE February 20 — Kenzie had a difficult Saturday, Feb. 18 when she prolapsed again. Chief Medical Officer Dr. Kean and SPCA veterinary staff fixed her prolapse, this time with a more invasive spay surgery, to minimize the chances of an additional prolapse. With full recovery still uncertain, Kenzie is back in serious but stable condition and resting comfortably. It’s unclear at this time whether she will need additional surgery but she will continue to receive fluids, antibiotics, and other supportive care.

Many have asked what could have caused Kenzie’s severe condition. Our veterinary team shares with us that this extreme condition could be the result of several different circumstances, among them some sort of trauma, like blunt force or being attacked in some way; it could also result from straining to give birth, and it can even be parasitic. In Kenzie’s case, with no owner coming forward, all we can do is speculate and focus on getting her out of the woods. Her initial bloodwork was very poor, and the fear of sepsis is very real, so we’re keeping close tabs on her and taking it one day at a time.

Those wishing to contribute to Kenzie’s care can click here >>  

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SPCA Compassion in Action — A young adult dog is in stable but serious condition at the SPCA Serving Erie County after community members found her roaming the streets of Buffalo in visible distress yesterday.

The dog, now known as Kenzie, suffered what appeared to be a complete vaginal and rectal prolapse and underwent emergency surgery yesterday

afternoon at the SPCA’s 300 Harlem Rd., West Seneca location. SPCA Chief Medical Officer Dr. Allison Kean performed the nearly two-hour surgery to reduce both prolapses and replace them. Kenzie is now sutured, receiving supportive care, fluids, antibiotics, and plenty of love.

Dr. Kean says there is concern on the part of veterinary staff over Kenzie’s poor blood test results and the risk of sepsis; should she survive, Kenzie will still be in need of additional surgeries and veterinary care. For now, however, Kenzie, still in serious condition, is stabilized and comfortable. “I left yesterday knowing we did our very best to help save this dog,” says Dr. Kean. “To be honest, though, I’m shocked that Kenzie was alive this morning. She’s a real trooper.”

Shawnay Gray of Buffalo posted photos of the female dog yesterday on a social media account after seeing the dog walking near the intersection of Elmer Avenue and E. Amherst Street in Buffalo. A community member who saw the photos contacted SPCA Dispatcher Nicole Abrams and shared Gray’s phone number; Abrams then contacted Gray, who still was watching the dog, and asked Gray if she could stay near the dog while an SPCA officer was immediately dispatched.

Gray complied, and with her help, SPCA Officer Melina Homsi was able to locate the dog not far from Kensington Ave. “The dog immediately ran up to me,” Homsi says. “She seemed very sweet, and I was able to put her into the truck and rush her back to the SPCA without any problems.”

The SPCA Serving Erie County is thankful for the support of Gray, the caller who shared with us news about Kenzie, the community members who have shown concern for Kenzie, and donors who have made this lifesaving work at the SPCA possible. To be a part of the SPCA’s Compassion in Action efforts and help save lives, click here >>

Updates on Kenzie will be shared here when they become available.

Kenzie and animals like her need your help >>

November 20, 2023

From the office of Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn:

BUFFALO MAN ARRAIGNED ON ANIMAL CRUELTY CHARGES FOR INTENTIONALLY INJURING PUPPY

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Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 35-year-old James D. Brown of Buffalo was arraigned yesterday morning before Buffalo City Court Judge Samuel P. Davis on one count of Aggravated Cruelty to Animals (Class “E” felony under Agriculture and Markets Law) and one count of Overdriving, Torturing, or Injuring Animals; Failure to Provide Proper Sustenance (Class “A” misdemeanor under Agriculture and Markets Law).

It is alleged that on Thursday, November 16, 2023, at approximately 3:00 a.m., the defendant intentionally caused serious physical injuries to a companion animal by slamming his puppy to the ground. The defendant allegedly lifted the dog, a 4-month-old pit bull, by the leash then slammed the dog onto the pavement near Philadelphia and Isabelle streets in the City of Buffalo. It is further alleged that the defendant failed to provided medical treatment for the puppy, which suffered injuries to its rear legs as well as abrasions on its head and legs.

As part of the investigation, the dog was seized by the Buffalo Police Department and transported to an emergency veterinarian for treatment. The puppy is currently in the care and custody of the SPCA Serving Erie County; [the SPCA will be paying the emergency veterinary clinic costs as well as the continued costs of caring for the puppy, named Miley. Click here to contribute towards Miley’s care; remember to write “Miley” in the comments section of the form >>]

Brown is scheduled to return on Wednesday, November 29, 2023 at 9:30 a.m. for a felony hearing. The defendant was released on his own recognizance.

If convicted of the highest charge, Brown faces a maximum of 2 years in prison.

DA Flynn commends the Buffalo Police Department Special Investigations Unit and K9 Unit as well as the SPCA Serving Erie County for their work in this investigation.

“This is a disturbing case of a man accused of intentionally injuring his own dog. My office will continue to prosecute animal abusers to the fullest extent of the law,” said Erie County District Attorney John Flynn.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Christine M. Garvey of the Animal Cruelty Unit.

As are all persons accused of a crime, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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Additional updates on this case will be added here as they become available.

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