A weekend shooting in the City of Buffalo took the life of 26 year old Edgardo Ortiz. However, Ortiz was not the only victim. His four-legged companion Princess the dog suffered a gunshot wound, and is now in the care of the SPCA Serving Erie County.
SPCA Executive Director Barbara Carr said the dog received first aid and is in good condition, but isn’t finished with the ordeal yet.
“To be shot by a gun and be standing and wagging your tail looks pretty good to me, but no gunshot wound is a good thing. We will have to go surgically in to remove this bullet. Of course, surgery always has an element of risk to it.”
Carr said an injury like this is a truly uncommon event. She can’t recall any cases she was familiar with where a dog was injured in the commission of a crime.
“I’ve heard of dogs being shot by police officers, but not during a crime,” said Carr.
Princess is the mother of six three-week old puppies who are now with her in the care of the SPCA. Carr said it’s premature to say what the dogs’ family intends to do with them.
“I’m sure they’re dealing with a lot more than the dog being at the SPCA. At this time, I don’t think there’s been any determination if the dog will go back home or what. We’ll have to bring this up with the family at the appropriate time.”
The shooting that injured Princess and took the life of her owner happened on Saturday around 1 p.m. in the vicinity of Busti Avenue and Hudson Street. Police are asking that anyone with information call or text the confidential TIPCALL line at 716-847-2255.
