“Thrown Away Like Trash” — Injured Dog Found in Dumpster, But Her Story Isn’t Over Yet
In a heartbreaking case of cruelty, a group of men was caught on surveillance footage tossing a garbage bag holding a severely injured Australian Shepherd into a dumpster in Birmingham, Alabama.
The dog, now named Patches, miraculously survived — but not without suffering.
“This sweet dog was stuffed in a garbage bag and thrown in a dumpster,” said Allison Black Cornelius, CEO of the Greater Birmingham Humane Society. “We are heartbroken and outraged. No animal deserves this cruelty.”
Caught on Camera
Surveillance video captured a white pickup truck, loaded with lumber, pulling into an alley between Second and Third Avenue South, near 18th and 19th streets. At least five men exited the vehicle. One man reached into the truck bed, pulled out a large black garbage bag, and threw it into a nearby dumpster.
Inside that bag was Patches — alive, but clinging to life.
Cornelius believes the men were construction workers, but their identities remain unknown. Authorities are now searching for those involved.
“We are looking for these folks,” she emphasized. “We’re not going to let this go.”
A Life Almost Lost
Thankfully, a good Samaritan spotted the horrifying act and didn’t hesitate. They climbed into the dumpster, found the trembling dog, and saved her life.
“She was injured, terrified, and left for dead,” Cornelius said. “But thanks to one brave citizen, Patches is still with us.”
Community Comes Together
Cornelius extended heartfelt gratitude to Ken Foreman of the Birmingham Housing Authority, Sgt. Heather Campbell of the Birmingham Police Department, and CAPS Officer Ryan Smith, all of whom played a crucial role in rescuing and caring for Patches.
“This was a team effort — and it made all the difference,” Cornelius said. “They worked their tails off to make sure she got out alive.”
Enough is Enough
As Patches begins her long road to recovery, Cornelius is calling for accountability.
“I’m tired of these stories. I’m tired of these cases,” she said. “We must start holding people accountable for this kind of cruelty. If we don’t, it will never stop.”
Patches’ story is one of both cruelty and courage. While it began in unthinkable darkness, it’s now filled with hope — thanks to the compassion of strangers who refused to let her be forgotten.
Anyone with information about the suspects is urged to come forward.
Because no one — especially not a helpless animal — should ever be treated like trash.