Texas Man Charged After Abandoned Dog Found at Pittsburgh Airport

This is the second incident of a traveler abandoning a dog at the Pittsburgh International Airport in recent years.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 2:18am

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A 42-year-old Texas man, Omar Perez, has been charged with animal cruelty and abandonment after a Labrador puppy was found running loose near the departures area of the Pittsburgh International Airport. Perez initially claimed he saw an Uber driver abandon the dog, but police later determined that Perez had abandoned the dog himself when he learned he would not be able to fly with it.

Why it matters

Abandoning pets, especially at airports, raises concerns about animal welfare and the responsibilities of pet owners. This incident follows a similar case in 2023 where a woman left her dog in a stroller at the Pittsburgh airport, leading to charges that were later withdrawn. These cases highlight the need for better education and enforcement around proper pet travel policies.

The details

Around 5 p.m. on Friday, Allegheny County Police were alerted to a Labrador puppy running loose near the departures area of the Pittsburgh International Airport. With the help of bystanders, they were able to locate and secure the dog. During the investigation, they spoke with Omar Perez, a 42-year-old man from Texas, who initially claimed he saw an Uber driver abandon the dog. However, police later determined that Perez had abandoned the dog himself when he learned he would not be able to fly with it.

  • On Friday around 5 p.m., the Labrador puppy was found running loose at the Pittsburgh International Airport.
  • In 2023, a woman left her dog in a stroller near the entrance to the short-term parking lot at the Pittsburgh airport.

The players

Omar Perez

A 42-year-old man from Texas who has been charged with animal cruelty and abandonment after leaving a Labrador puppy at the Pittsburgh International Airport.

Allegheny County Police

The law enforcement agency that responded to the report of the abandoned dog and charged Omar Perez.

Animal Friends

The organization that took in the dog found abandoned at the Pittsburgh airport in 2023 and was inundated with adoption requests.

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What they’re saying

“We are grateful for the interest and compassion, but for now, we are focused on moving this case forward and ensuring the dog receives the justice he deserves. The outcome of the case will determine his next steps and his final home.”

— Animal Friends

What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow Omar Perez out on bail.

The takeaway

These incidents of pet abandonment at the Pittsburgh airport highlight the need for better education and enforcement around proper pet travel policies to ensure the welfare of animals. They also underscore the importance of pet owners taking full responsibility for their animals, even when travel plans change.