Police say they've arrested an animal shelter worker for allegedly placing a dog inside a plastic bag and throwing it into a commercial dumpster on Long Island on Christmas Eve. Michael Papini, 30, is charged with felony aggravated animal cruelty, animal abandonment and other charges in the case, Suffolk SPCA detectives say. The 1-year-old dachshund mix was discovered in the trash at a gas station early Tuesday. Officials think the dog chewed its way out of the bag. SPCA detectives say the female pup, who has been named Noelle because she was discovered on Christmas Eve, had been given to Papini to bring to the Town of Islip Animal Shelter. The owner gave the dog to Papini, who worked for the shelter, because she could no longer take care of her. Noelle had severely matted and dirty fur when she was found, but is otherwise in good health. She is now being cared for by the Town of Islip Animal Shelter, which has suspended Papini.
