GERMAN FLATTS — The Herkimer County man accused of abandoning Miracle the dog at the Herkimer County Humane Society made his first appearance in court on Tuesday, according to German Flatts Town Court officials.

Court officials said Paul-Carlos Palenzuela, 58, of Frankfort, pleaded not guilty before Judge Jeffrey Stone to two counts of failure to provide proper sustenance to an animal and one count of abandoning an animal. His case was adjourned to April 4.

Authorities said Palenzuela drove to the Humane Society on Route 5S at about 5:30 p.m. Feb. 2 and abandoned a pit bull dog in the parking lot. Authorities said Palenzuela immediately drove away and the dog fled into the woods, after being struck by a passing car on the highway.

The dog was found alive the next day, having survived through frigid overnight temperatures. The dog has been named Miracle and is being treated in foster care.