A woman in Pennsylvania has been charged with animal cruelty and related offenses after intentionally leaving her dog at Pittsburgh International Airport before taking a flight to a Mexican resort on August 4th. The woman, identified as Allison Lyn Gaiser, 44, attempted to bring her French bulldog on the flight, but the airline refused boarding because the dog didn’t qualify as an emotional support animal and lacked a proper kennel.
Instead of making proper arrangements for her pet, Gaiser left the brown-and-white French bulldog in its stroller at the airport. Surveillance footage captured her pushing the dog in the stroller towards a moving walkway enclosure near the exit doors of the airport’s short-term parking lot. The abandoned dog, which was unharmed, was found unattended in the stroller about 40 minutes later by a county police officer. The dog, licensed and microchipped, was taken to an animal care facility and is currently being cared for in a foster home.
Upon her return to the airport on August 10th, Gaiser was met by county police and acknowledged leaving the dog behind due to the airline’s refusal to allow it on the plane. She claimed to have arranged for her mother to pick up the dog but failed to provide evidence of this arrangement. Gaiser’s mother only learned about the incident through news coverage.
Gaiser is facing charges of animal cruelty for abandoning her dog, and her initial court hearing is scheduled for October 16th.
To fly with a dog, airlines typically require the pet to be microchipped, possess a valid health certificate completed by a veterinarian, and, in some cases, additional documentation or vaccinations. Emotional support animals must have documentation from a licensed doctor. Dogs flying in the cabin must travel in an appropriate carrier that fits under the seat, while larger dogs must meet specific crate requirements for cargo travel. Certain breeds prone to breathing issues might be restricted from flying due to safety concerns.
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