Woman Faces Charges After Allegedly Abandoning Dog at Las Vegas Airport
Las Vegas authorities have arrested a woman at Harry Reid International Airport earlier this month after she allegedly abandoned her 2-year-old goldendoodle at the facility. The incident occurred on February 2 when the woman, whose identity has not been released, attempted to travel with her pet without proper documentation.
Failed Documentation Leads to Canine Abandonment
According to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, the woman was denied a boarding pass at the JetBlue ticket counter after failing to complete the required online documentation to travel with her dog as a service animal. Video footage released by police shows the woman speaking with airport staff before leaving her dog tied to a metal carry-on baggage sizer.
"We can't believe we have to say this... but please don't abandon your dog at the airport — or anywhere else," the police department emphasized in their Wednesday press release.
Confrontation and Arrest
Bodycam footage shows officers confronting the woman at the departure gate after she attempted to proceed without her dog. Police informed her they would escort her back to her pet and issue a citation for leaving the animal at the ticket counter.
When questioned about her actions, the woman reportedly claimed the airline wouldn't allow her to fly with the dog and stated the animal had a tracking device, implying it was acceptable to leave him behind as he would return to her. Police say the woman "became hostile" during the escort back to the ticket counter and resisted officers' attempts to restrain her.
The woman was subsequently arrested and booked on charges of animal abandonment and resisting arrest.
JetBlue's New Beginning
The 2-year-old goldendoodle was taken into Animal Protective Services' custody, but his owner never returned to claim him. After a mandatory 10-day hold period, the dog was transferred to Retriever Rescue of Las Vegas, where he was renamed JetBlue.
"While that part of his story is heartbreaking, what has followed has been nothing short of extraordinary," the animal rescue organization stated online.
Danielle Roth, spokesperson for the rescue, told People magazine that "Despite experiencing abandonment, JetBlue has shown nothing but love. He is affectionate, gentle, and incredibly social. He greets everyone with trust and warmth, which is honestly remarkable given what he went through."
Careful Selection for Forever Home
The rescue organization emphasized they will be extremely intentional in selecting JetBlue's permanent family. "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," their statement continued. "We will be extremely intentional in choosing his forever family. He deserves stability. Security. Commitment. A lifetime promise."
JetBlue has received an outpouring of love and numerous adoption applications since his story became public. The rescue noted that his experience has brought increased awareness to animal abandonment laws.
"We will continue to follow through and ensure accountability. Let's make sure the charges stick. This matters," the dog rescue organization stated. "But remember — he isn't just a headline. He isn't just a cute face. He is a living, breathing soul who needs his needs met for the rest of his life."
