Police say suspect left Labrador puppy behind after being unable to board flight
Pittsburgh, PA – A Texas man is facing criminal charges after police say he abandoned a dog outside Pittsburgh International Airport when he was unable to take the animal on a flight.
Allegheny County Police said officers assigned to the airport were alerted around 5 p.m. to a dog running loose near the departures curb. With help from witnesses, officers were able to safely secure the animal, later identified as a Labrador puppy.
Investigation leads to owner, charges filed
“Officers and witnesses were able to locate and safely secure the dog,” police said. “Through their investigation, officers made contact with 42-year-old Omar Perez of Texas.”
Authorities said Perez initially told officers that an Uber driver had abandoned the dog. Investigators later determined Perez was the owner and had left the animal behind after realizing he could not bring it on his flight.
Key Points
- Dog found running loose at Pittsburgh International Airport departures area
- Police say owner abandoned puppy after being unable to fly with it
- 42-year-old Texas man now faces animal cruelty and abandonment charges
Puppy placed in foster care after rescue
Perez is facing multiple charges, including animal cruelty and animal abandonment, according to police.
“The dog, a Labrador puppy, is doing well and will be placed in foster care,” the department stated, adding that Patrol Officer Riley Tkatch assisted in securing the animal and helping ensure it would be placed in a safe home.