A small dog abandoned outside a busy airport in Pennsylvania was quickly rescued thanks to a concerned passerby, prompting authorities to remind travelers that leaving pets behind is not only heartbreaking but illegal.
Speaking with Newsweek, Brett Whittenberger, an inspector with the Allegheny County Police Department, said officers were flagged down around 5 p.m. on March 20 near the departures curb at Pittsburgh International Airport after someone noticed a Labrador puppy roaming the area.
Officers quickly secured the dog, providing immediate care, although Whittenberger said he appeared well looked after. Plus, the pup was calm and friendly. Police then brought the puppy back to the station.
“It’s a shame someone would leave such a wonderful animal abandoned at the airport,” Whittenberger said.
An investigation later led police to identify and charge the dog’s owner that same day. Initially, the individual claimed an Uber driver had left the dog, before revealing it was his and he was “unable to fly” with the animal. The suspect, 42-year-old Omar Perez of Texas, is now facing multiple charges of animal cruelty and animal abandonment. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 27, court documents show.
Following the rescue, police shared the pup’s story on the Allegheny County Police Department’s Facebook, updating concerned users he is now safe in foster care, but is not currently available for adoption. The pup’s story quickly gained traction, and as of Friday, the post had amassed over 4,300 reactions and 478 comments.
Whittenberger said the collaborative effort between officers, the dog warden and the Allegheny district attorney’s office allowed for the pup’s immediate care and placement.
While rare, this is not the first time such an incident has occurred at the airport. Whittenberger said a similar case happened within the past two years.
“It’s absolutely heartbreaking,” he said. “These are well-mannered, adorable canines.”
A similar incident happened in February at the Las Vegas airport when a dog owner left a 2-year-old goldendoodle at a JetBlue counter after being informed she would be unable to fly with him. A judge has since issued an $8,000 bench warrant for missing a court appearance, according to 8 News Now.
Authorities are now using the case as a reminder to the public, as animal abandonment is considered a criminal offense in Pennsylvania and can carry fines or jail time.
“Pets must remain in the direct care of their owners,” Whittenberger said. “If circumstances change, there are resources available through airlines, rescues, and authorities. Animals should never be abandoned—it’s illegal and puts both the animal and the public at risk.”