A heartless owner accused of abandoning his faithful Labrador puppy outside a busy international airport is facing criminal charges, police say.
The dog was found running around the terminal looking for its owner after reportedly being left behind.
Police say 42-year-old Omar Perez abandoned his chocolate Labrador outside Pittsburgh International Airport in Pennsylvania when he realized he was “unable to fly with it.”
Allegheny County Police Department officers working at the airport responded to a report of a confused puppy running around during departures at 5 p.m. Friday.
Eyewitnesses helped the police catch the dog safely.
Police later posted photos of the rescue online.
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After capturing the puppy, authorities tracked down Perez for questioning.
According to police, despite initially claiming that he had seen an Uber driver abandoning the young dog at the departure center, Perez was later found to be the puppy’s owner and had left him behind.
The owner has since reportedly been charged with second-degree and summary animal cruelty, as well as abandonment of an animal by its owner.
Police said: “Sadly, this is not the first time this has happened at our airport in recent years.
“We would urge people to have a plan if they wish to travel with pets.
“Otherwise, we will investigate and file charges.”
Police have not disclosed how they tracked down Perez, although it is believed he was exposed Before boarding your flight, Daily Mail reports.
Perez, of Texas, was released following the charges, investigators said.
The department gave an update on the puppy, saying it was “doing well and being cared for.”
The dog will soon be placed in a foster home.
Patrol Officer Riley Tach was given a “special shout-out” from the department after he investigated finding and identifying Perez as the dog’s owner.
Tach was also thanked for helping find the dog a safe home.
According to Pennsylvania law, if Perez is convicted of a second-degree misdemeanor animal cruelty charge, he now faces up to two years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000.
Less serious summary charges include a possible 90-day jail sentence and a $300 fine.
Outraged people criticized Perez in the comments of the Allegheny Police Department’s Facebook post about the abandoned puppy.
While hundreds of people thanked the police for their work, some people were also offering to adopt the dog.
“I’ll take him! And give me 5 minutes with Omar…” one person said.
Another quipped: “He’s a good looking dog! I would cancel my flight if I couldn’t fly with him!”
“Imagine what kind of life that puppy would have had with that loser. So glad the puppy got another chance at the life he deserves,” said a third.
“Where can I find a puppy for adoption. I need some information about him,” wrote a fourth.
