LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — A woman has been charged with animal abandonment and resisting arrest after she reportedly left her dog inside Harry Reid International Airport and boarded her flight alone.
Metro police released security video of the Feb. 2 incident that shows the moment the woman abandoned her 2-year-old Goldendoodle at the JetBlue ticket counter around 11:30 p.m.
According to police, the passenger attempted to board a JetBlue flight but failed to complete the required paperwork to fly with the animal as a service dog. Airline staff denied her a boarding pass, but rather than take the dog with her, she left the animal at the ticket counter and proceeded to her gate.
Dog finds new home with rescue organization
When police found the woman, she was unapologetic and told them the Goldendoodle had a tracking device and that someone would return the dog home, according to authorities.
“We are going to walk you back to where your dog is, and we are going to issue you a citation,” an officer said in the security footage.
Danielle Roth, founder of Retriever Rescue of Las Vegas, responded immediately when she got the call from Metro police.
“It was like 11:45 at night,” Roth said.
The dog, now named JetBlue by the rescue, spent 10 days with animal control after his owner refused to claim him. Now with the rescue, JetBlue has been neutered, vaccinated, and is ready for his forever home.
“We made him a promise that he will never be abandoned again,” Roth said.
Rescue encourages adoption awareness
Roth said she is happy JetBlue’s story has gained attention and is encouraging people to explore other rescues. The organization currently has 40 dogs available for adoption.
“We have a lot of people who have replied to him. Clearly, his story is very touching. So we’re really asking that everybody stay very understanding,” Roth said. “There are so many others that are equally as good. He’s a perfect two-year-old.”
For passengers looking to fly with their pets or service animals, airlines recommend checking the airline’s policy in advance, completing required paperwork, and paying associated fees before arrival.
Retriever Rescue will have an adoption event Saturday at Dog’s House on West Sahara with about 14 dogs available for adoption.
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