Police: Traveler abandons dog at Pittsburgh International Airport before getting on flight

Aug 06, 2023

By Meghan Schiller

August 4, 2023 / 1:28 PM / CBS Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Charges are expected after police said a traveler abandoned her dog at the Pittsburgh International Airport before getting on a flight.

Allegheny County police said they were called to help around 5:30 a.m. Friday after a dog was found unattended in a stroller near the entrance to the short-term parking lot.

Police said the dog did not have a collar, but officers were able to find a microchip on the dog. Police also said they have not yet made contact with the owner but did learn she boarded a flight to a resort destination.

Don’t leave your pets behind!This morning at approximately 5:30 a.m., ACPD officers working at Pittsburgh International Airport were called to assist with a dog that was found unattended in a stroller on airport property. pic.twitter.com/eTzN8fdQWN

Investigators learned airline officials told the owner that the dog needed to be placed in a carte in order to fly. Police said she originally tried to get a boarding pass for the animal as an "emotional support animal," but was told she would need the proper carrier.

"We were able to determine the dog's owner attempted to fly with the dog this morning and was denied boarding due to not having the proper cargo container," said county police Sergeant Jason Donaldson.

That's when police said the owner abandoned the dog near short-term parking in a baby stroller and got on a flight.

County police called the state dog warden, and the animal is now at Animal Friends.

Animal Friends released this statement, saying:

"Animal Friends was notified of a case involving suspected abandonment at the airport through the Allegheny County Dog Warden and the dog involved was admitted into our care. 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' 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."

Police said a charge of animal abandonment is expected to be filed against the owner, who was not identified.

Meghan Schiller is an Emmy-nominated journalist who joined KDKA in October 2017. She's thrilled to be back in her hometown and reporting at the station she grew up watching.

First published on August 4, 2023 / 1:28 PM

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