Traveler Criticized After She Was Told She Couldn’t Fly With Her Dog & Left The Pet In An Airport Parking Lot

Aug 11, 2023

Dogs are great companions whether they just stay at home to cuddle with their humans or even travel to different places with them sometimes. However, one owner became the center of attention online for all the wrong reasons after they allegedly abandoned their pet at an airport parking lot.

In August 2023, the Allegheny County Police Department took to its official Facebook page to share a heartbreaking story as well as warn people not to leave their beloved pets behind.

In the post, it was noted that ACPD officers assigned at Pittsburgh International Airport received a report about a 7-year-old French Bulldog, who was found alone without its owner, in a stroller around the grounds of the aircraft terminal.

Even though the dog had a microchip, authorities weren’t able to contact its owner.

Investigators later found out that the owner, who was identified as a woman, was told by staff and crew that they weren’t allowed to fly if the dog wasn’t placed in a crate.

Unfortunately, the poor dog was left abandoned in a parking lot, and its owner had left it to board a flight and fly to their desired destination.

A spokesperson for the police department spoke with USA Today and revealed that the owner was traveling to a resort destination.

As of Aug. 4, 2023, the dog was planned to be turned over to the state dog warden. Regarding its state, it was reported that the poor pet was placed at a rescue shelter called Animal Friends and was doing alright after the heartbreaking incident.

Allegheny County police Sgt. Jason Donaldson gave more details about the incident to WTAE as he told the outlet, “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.”

It was also reported that the unidentified woman was expected to face a charge of animal abandonment.

According to Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture’s official website, it is illegal to abandon or attempt to abandon any dog in the state of Pennsylvania.

If proven guilty, the owner is expected to pay a fine between $300 and $1,000 plus other costs.

After ACPD’s post went viral on social media with thousands of likes and hundreds of comments from concerned online users, people expressed their disappointment about the situation.

“This poor dog is so scared!!! I would NEVER leave my dog behind as they are my kids!! We (humans) don't deserve animals!!!!! You are in for a better life now, Sweet Baby Angel 🖤🐾🖤🐾” one wrote.

“That is just so sad!!! I could never leave my dog they are my children!prayers for this lil boston. Needs a Super Forever Family w lotts of love ❤️” another one wrote.

Another one expressed their anger as they wanted the owner to be held accountable as they wrote, “Good! Charge the owner w/abandonment and fine her!! Good grief! The dog can find a better home!”

“How cute. The owner should be ashamed of their actions,” one commented.

“What a horrible thing to do! My gosh!! I hope that pup finds a better home,” one wrote.

What do you think of this poor dog that was left behind by its owner? What would you do in a situation like this? Let us know your thoughts, and make sure to pass this on to your friends and family.