Dog Named Lucky Found in Dumpster

Lucky the dog is really lucky. He was found January 22, 2006 in a Decatur, Alabama dumpster, buried with trash, with duct tape around his snout and a badly mangled leg. A local vet, Steve Osborne took the dog and treated him for months following, having to amputate the injured leg. He appropriately named the dog, "Lucky" because he was lucky to be found.

Lucky quickly became a regular topic in local newspapers and television news programs. Public outcry was widespread over the mistreatment of this dog. Dr. Osborne offered a $500 reward of his own money for information leading to the arrest of Lucky's abuser. Lucky's plight was featured on the show, "Inside Edition" in April of 2006. The reward fund quickly grew to over $16,000 as news of Lucky's experience spread, with contributions coming in from all over the country.

Decatur police launched an investigation to find Lucky's abuser, and Lucky was lucky again when someone decided the reward was enough to turn in a tip that led police investigator, Sgt. Rick Archer to the owner, a local man named Samuel Bernard Sanders. Sanders surrendered to police in March of 2006.

At first Sanders said that Lucky, who's original name was "Rocky" was stolen two months before he was found in the dumpster, and that he had filed a police report of the theft. He later admitted he had left Lucky in the dumpster, then became afraid of the repercussions and made up the theft story. He was charged with three counts: first degree cruelty to an animal, perjury, and filing a false police report.

Dr. Osborne testified in the trial that Lucky's wounds were indicative of another dog's attack, definitely larger and stronger than Lucky. Sanders admitted he also owned a pit bull. It is not known whether the dogs were used in dog fighting.

Lucky is adjusting well to the amputation, and besides a few scars is now healthy and happy. Dr. Osborne said, "Lucky is doing good. He looks good and is very active and real happy." He continued, "Although he's an amputee, he's not held back by his disability. We want justice for Lucky primarily. And, we would like for awareness to come out of this for the general public." Osborne hopes the trial will result in changing people's perceptions about cruelty to animals, which he states is not only illegal but morally wrong as well.

Many people came forward to ask about adopting Lucky, but after nursing him back to health, Dr. Osborne and his wife, Kim, decided to keep Lucky as their own pet.

Sanders is now on trial in Morgan County, Alabama, and the jury is expected to have a verdict in late March of 2007. He stands to serve between one and ten years when sentenced, although public opinion is that he deserves much longer than the maximum sentence of ten years.