Heartbreaking Abandonment: Another Dog Abandoned at Pittsburgh Airport
A story that will tug at your heartstrings has emerged from the bustling halls of Pittsburgh International Airport. Yet another innocent canine has been callously abandoned, leaving a trail of sadness and outrage in its wake.
On a gloomy November afternoon, officers responded to a chilling sight: a dog, helpless and alone, tied to a pole in the airport’s short-term parking garage. The Allegheny County Police Department (ACPD) shared this heartbreaking news with the public, expressing their dismay at such a cruel act.
“There is no excuse for leaving your pets behind,” the ACPD stated in a poignant Facebook post. “Pets are family members and deserve to be treated with compassion and respect.”
The officers swiftly freed the abandoned dog, thankfully finding that it appeared to be in relatively good condition. However, closer examination revealed a sobering truth: the dog was not microchipped.
Determined to find the person responsible, the ACPD meticulously reviewed CCTV footage and identified a man believed to be the dog’s owner. “We believe he was a ticketed passenger who spent time inside the airport before abandoning the dog in the short-term parking garage prior to his flight,” the ACPD revealed.
Thanks to the unwavering support of the community, the dog’s owner was finally identified as 68-year-old David Mittelberger Sr. of Windsor Heights, West Virginia. The ACPD expressed their frustration at Mittelberger’s evasiveness, stating that their attempts to contact him had been unsuccessful.
In a just and decisive move, the ACPD filed charges against Mittelberger for abandonment of animals, neglect of animals, and cruelty to animals. “These are summary offenses and will be sent via citation,” the ACPD wrote.
Meanwhile, the abandoned dog, lovingly named Mikey, is receiving compassionate care at Animal Friends, a Pittsburgh animal shelter. Mikey’s current condition is bittersweet. While he is not yet available for adoption, he has an active infection in his mouth that requires extensive dental care.
The ACPD, the state dog warden, and Animal Friends are working diligently to secure a court order granting Mikey access to the necessary medical attention.
This heartbreaking incident has ignited a wave of outrage among animal lovers and concerned citizens alike. “Whoever left this sweet dog should be charged and deemed unfit to ever own a pet again,” one outraged individual exclaimed. “How can people do this to their pets?! That poor pup was probably so confused & scared!”
This is not an isolated case. Just three months prior, another dog faced a similar fate at the same airport. A heartless owner abandoned her 7-year-old French Bulldog in the airport’s parking lot after discovering that she could not bring it on her flight without a crate.
These incidents are a stark reminder that animals are vulnerable and dependent on humans for their well-being. Abandoning a pet is not only a heartless act but also a crime. Let us all vow to treat our furry companions with the love and respect they deserve.
