It’s always heartbreaking when a dog is abandoned — so many pets are heartlessly discarded by their owners as if they don’t matter at all.
That was the case recently after a dog was abandoned at an airport, just so his owner could make a flight.
Last week, a 7-year-old French Bulldog was found in a stroller at Pittsburgh International Airport. Officers from the Allegheny County Police Department arrived on the scene; they attempted to contact the dog’s owner through its microchip but were unsuccessful.
It soon became clear that the dog had been left behind intentionally. Investigators learned that the owner had earlier been told that her dog couldn’t fly with her without a crate. According to Insider, the owner claimed the dog was her emotional support animal, but employees were not convinced.
Investigators also said the woman was not in an emergency situation and was traveling to a “resort destination.”
“We were able to determine that the dog’s owner had attempted to fly with the dog this morning and was denied boarding due to having an improper cargo container,” Allegheny County police Sgt. Jason Donaldson told WTAE. “In turn, the dog was abandoned, and the dog’s owner continued to its resort destination as intended.”
It’s unbelievable that anyone would decide to leave their dog behind like that, but these stories are surprisingly common: there have been several incidents of dogs being abandoned at airports by their owners.
County police contacted the state dog warden to safely turn over the dog, Allegheny Police said in a Facebook post. Thankfully, the dog was reportedly in good health, according to WTAE, and has been placed in the care of Animal Friends. Further details about the dog’s status were not reported.
“As this case is under active investigation, we are unfortunately unable to comment at this time about the details of the case or the health status of the dog,” Animal Friends said in a statement, per CBS News. “Animal Friends’ Humane Society Police Officers are pursuing an investigation into this case and reviewing possible charges.”
“The dog will remain on hold and Animal Friends is pleased to provide the necessary treatment and supportive care the dog needs until this case is resolved.”
According to the police, the dog’s owner is expected to be charged with animal abandonment by the state dog warden. According to Pennsylvania state law, abandoning a dog is considered animal cruelty and is punishable of a fine of up to $1,000.
The story has captured people’s attention online, with many expressing sympathy for the poor dog and condemning its former owner. Some expressed interest in giving the dog a new home.
“I’m thinking the dog is better off with a new owner,” one commenter wrote. “Poor baby.”
It’s truly heartbreaking that anyone would abandoned their dog like this — we hope this sweet dog gets a second chance soon and his former owner faces justice!