After being told the female puppy couldn’t travel with the owner because of a kennel issue, the owner of a dog apparently abandoned the puppy outside the airport, tying her up in the cold before leaving for the trip.
A heartbreaking story has emerged from the busy holiday travel period after a dog was found abandoned at the Des Moines International Airport on December 29th.
According to Tom Colvin, the CEO of Animal Rescue League (ARL) of Iowa, a traveler failed to have the proper kennel to travel with their dog and was told they could not safely transport the dog.
After attempting to board the plane and being denied, the traveler – who has not yet been publicly identified – tied the one-year-old dog up outside in the cold winter weather before returning to board their flight.
In Iowa, abandoning and animal is a misdemeanor which could include prison time up to two years and fines up to $8,540.
The puppy is reportedly very friendly and staff at the airport were quite taken with her. While the investigation into the incident continues, the puppy will be put up for adoption.
