Pittsburgh: Woman abandons dog at airport because it needed a crate | US News
A woman ditched her emotional support dog at the airport and took her flight after being told it could not fly alongside her.
The unidentified woman left her 7-year-old French Bulldog near the Pittsburgh International Airport short-term parking lot on Friday. Cops found the Frenchie in a stroller and discovered a microchip, but could not reach its owner.
‘Investigators learned the dog’s owner was told by airline officials the dog needed to be placed in a crate in order to fly,’ wrote the Allegheny County Police Department on Twitter.
‘The investigation revealed the owner then abandoned the dog near short-term parking and proceeded to board a flight.’
When told she needed a crate for her dog, the woman reportedly tried to convince airline workers to let it fly with her as an emotional support pet, but was denied.
It was not clear if the woman boarded her original flight or if she purchased another one.
Cops called the state dog warden to take the dog.
‘A charge of animal abandonment is expected to be filed against the owner by the dog warden,’ wrote the police department.
The dog was turned over to animal shelter Animal Friends.
‘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,’ the organization told CBS News.
Humane Society police officers are investigating the case and reviewing possible charges against the woman.
‘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,’ stated the shelter.
A dog abandonment conviction in Pennsylvania can carry a maximum fine of $1,000.
Allegheny County police warned: ‘Don’t leave your pets behind!’
It is not the first time a dog has been abandoned by its owner for air transit.
Last year, a 6-year-old German shepherd was left at an airport by its owner who did not have proper documents for it, and continued on to New York. The dog was adopted by a United Airlines pilot in December.
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