Woman Charged After Abandoning Dog at Las Vegas Airport

Authorities say the woman left the dog tied to a baggage sizer after being denied boarding without proper service animal paperwork.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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A 57-year-old woman named Germiran Bryson has been charged with animal abandonment after allegedly leaving her 2-year-old goldendoodle and mini poodle mix tied to a baggage sizer at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas. Bryson was denied boarding a flight due to lacking proper paperwork for the dog as a service animal and then proceeded to the departure gate without the animal, despite claims it had a tracking device.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the challenges pet owners can face when traveling with animals and the importance of following airline policies and procedures. It also raises concerns about animal welfare and the potential legal consequences of abandoning a pet.

The details

According to police, airline employees informed Bryson that she needed to complete proper paperwork for the dog to travel as a service animal, but the documentation was never finalized. She was then denied a boarding pass. Bryson then allegedly left the dog behind and proceeded through the airport to the departure gate. Officers later located Bryson at Gate D1 and questioned her about leaving the animal, at which point she claimed the airline would not allow her to fly with it and that the dog had a tracking device, implying it was acceptable to leave the animal behind. Bryson was arrested and now faces three misdemeanor charges, including animal abandonment.

  • The incident occurred around 11:30 p.m. on February 2, 2026 at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas.

The players

Germiran Bryson

A 57-year-old woman who was denied boarding a flight at Harry Reid International Airport due to lacking proper paperwork for her dog as a service animal, and then allegedly abandoned the dog at the airport.

JetBlue

The 2-year-old goldendoodle and mini poodle mix dog that was abandoned at the airport and has since been placed with Retriever Rescue of Las Vegas.

Retriever Rescue of Las Vegas

The rescue organization that has taken in the abandoned dog, describing him as "affectionate, gentle, and incredibly social."

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What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow Germiran Bryson out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of pet owners being fully prepared with the proper documentation when traveling with animals, as well as the serious legal consequences that can result from abandoning a pet. It also underscores the need for greater awareness and support for animal welfare, especially in high-stress travel situations.