STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Charlotte, the puppy who was allegedly abused and abandoned by her owner Alsu Ivanchenko last month, is eating regularly after undergoing a surgery that has successfully repaired her broken leg, according to a spokeswoman from the ASPCA.
The surgery took place just a couple of weeks ago, according to the spokeswoman, but the severity of Charlotte's head trauma remains uncertain as of Thursday.
"Due to her head trauma, Charlotte is at risk for developing a long-term seizure disorder, but this will only become evident over time," the representative explained. "It is important to understand that it may take weeks or even months to fully realize the extent of her brain injury and how much brain function she may regain."
Charlotte is being provided with "round-the-clock" care at the ASPCA Animal Hospital, where veterinarians are keeping a close eye on her progress, said the spokeswoman.
The 3-month-old Maltese-Shih Tzu mix suffered from a fractured skull, a fractured femur and brain trauma resulting from blunt force impact, doctors determined after Charlotte was discovered inside a plastic bag by the railroad tracks near Bay Terrace and placed under the care of the ASPCA last month.
Ms. Ivanchenko was arraigned Thursday morning in state Supreme Court on animal-cruelty charges and pleaded not guilty through her lawyer.
The indictment charges against Ms. Ivanchenko caused a stir among animal-rights activists and pet lovers and many were present during the arraignment.
Ms. Ivanchenko, who is free on $3,500 bail, has agreed to a ban on possessing a companion animal.
She potentially faces up to two years behind bars, if convicted of the felony count, according to information from District Attorney Daniel Donovan's office.