Labrador Puppy Abandoned at Pittsburgh Airport After Owner 'Unable to Fly'

The friendly dog was quickly rescued by police after a concerned passerby spotted him wandering alone near the departures area.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 7:53pm

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An extremely abstracted, out-of-focus photograph of a small Labrador puppy wandering alone through a dimly lit airport terminal, with soft pools of warm yellow, orange, and blue light creating a melancholy and isolating atmosphere around the lost animal.The abandoned puppy's lonely journey through the airport terminal evokes both heartbreak and hope for his future.Today in Pittsburgh

A Labrador puppy was abandoned by his owner at Pittsburgh International Airport after the owner claimed he was 'unable to fly' with the animal. The dog was spotted wandering alone near the departures area by a concerned passerby, who alerted police. Officers quickly secured the well-cared-for but abandoned puppy and brought him to the station. The owner, a 42-year-old Texas man, was later identified and charged with animal cruelty and abandonment.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the serious issue of pet abandonment, which can be both heartbreaking and illegal. Authorities are using this case to remind the public that leaving animals behind, especially at busy transportation hubs, puts the pet and the public at risk. There are resources available through airlines, rescues, and authorities to properly rehome pets if owners' travel plans change.

The details

Police were flagged down around 5 p.m. on March 20 near the departures curb at Pittsburgh International Airport after a concerned passerby noticed the Labrador puppy roaming the area alone. Officers quickly secured the dog, who appeared well cared for and was calm and friendly. An investigation led them to the owner, 42-year-old Omar Perez of Texas, who initially claimed an Uber driver had left the dog before admitting it was his and he was 'unable to fly' with the animal.

  • On March 20, the puppy was spotted wandering alone near the departures area of Pittsburgh International Airport around 5 p.m.
  • Later that same day, police identified and charged the dog's owner, Omar Perez, with animal cruelty and abandonment.
  • Perez's preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 27.

The players

Allegheny County Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that responded to the report of the abandoned puppy and charged the owner with crimes.

Omar Perez

A 42-year-old Texas resident who abandoned his Labrador puppy at the Pittsburgh airport after claiming he was 'unable to fly' with the animal.

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What they’re saying

“It's a shame someone would leave such a wonderful animal abandoned at the airport.”

— Brett Whittenberger, Inspector, Allegheny County Police Department

“Pets must remain in the direct care of their owners. If circumstances change, there are resources available through airlines, rescues, and authorities. Animals should never be abandoned—it's illegal and puts both the animal and the public at risk.”

— Brett Whittenberger, Inspector, Allegheny County Police Department

What’s next

Perez's preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 27, where a judge will determine if there is enough evidence to proceed with the animal cruelty and abandonment charges.

The takeaway

This case serves as a tragic reminder that abandoning pets, especially in busy public places, is both inhumane and illegal. While travel plans can change, there are resources available to properly rehome animals if owners are unable to keep them. Authorities hope this incident will discourage others from making the same heartbreaking choice.