Woman arrested after abandoning puppy at airport she claimed was 'service dog'
A woman was arrested at a Las Vegas airport after she tied her two-year-old golden doodle to a carry-on baggage sizer.
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) said in a statement that they were called to Terminal 3 at Harry Reid International Airport just after midnight on 2 February.
JetBlue staff said they informed a 26-year-old woman that she 'was required to complete online documentation in order to travel with the animal as a service dog'.
"When the required paperwork was not completed, the passenger was denied a boarding pass," the LVMPD said.
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"She then left the dog behind and proceeded through the airport to the departure gate."
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After the LVMPD located the individual at Gate D1, she claimed that 'the airline would not allow her to fly with it and claimed the dog had a tracking device — implying it was acceptable to leave the animal behind and it would return to her'.
"While escorting her back through the security checkpoint, she became hostile and resisted officers’ attempts to detain her," the force added.
The woman was subsequently arrested and booked for animal abandonment and resisting arrest.
"Airport employees and LVMPD Officers immediately stepped in to care for the approximately two-year-old golden doodle/mini poodle while the owner was processed," the LVMPD said.
"Animal Protective Services took custody of the dog. After the mandatory 10-day hold period passed and the owner never returned, Retriever Rescue of Las Vegas stepped in.
"The dog — now affectionately named 'Jet Blue' — is safe, in foster care, and will soon be placed in a new, loving home."
The LVMPD said they have a 'zero-tolerance stance on animal abuse and neglect' and noted that 'abandoning an animal is a serious criminal offence'.
In a social media post, the Retriever Rescue of Las Vegas charity said they have since 'received so many applications and inquiries' to adopt the dog.
"This sweet boy is incredible. Truly incredible. And after everything he’s been through, the thought of him ever experiencing abandonment again has us on very high alert," they said.
"We will be extremely intentional in choosing his forever family. He deserves stability. Security. Commitment. A lifetime promise.
"In a powerful way, JetBlue has brought awareness to rescue, to abandonment laws, and to the reality that dogs are not disposable.
"He may end up helping many of our babies find homes because of the spotlight he’s created — and for that, we are so grateful."
Anish Vij