Cops tracked down dog owner who left her 2-year-old pup at the airport — and her excuse for abandoning the pet left officers in disbelief
A dog relies on its humans, and abandoning it is never justifiable. A 2-year-old dog was left alone at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas, tied to a metal baggage sizer, after its owner walked away. The incident unfolded late at night, and the dog’s anxious behavior caught the attention of airport staff and officers. It happened on February 2, 2026, and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department later shared a video clip on X along with details. As per PEOPLE, when the officer finally caught up with the woman and asked why she abandoned the dog, her excuse reportedly left the officers shocked and annoyed.
🐾 Abandoned at the Airport… but Not Forgotten
— LVMPD (@LVMPD) February 18, 2026
We can’t believe we have to say this… but please don’t abandon your dog at the airport — or anywhere else.
On February 2, 2026, at approximately 11:39 p.m., LVMPD officers assigned to Harry Reid International Airport responded to… pic.twitter.com/vZd6TMSaEF
When questioned by officers about leaving the dog, the woman offered an unusual excuse. She told police that the airline had refused to allow her to fly with the dog and claimed the animal had a tracking device, implying it would return to her on its own. JetBlue staff had informed her that proper documentation was needed for the dog to travel as a service animal. Since the paperwork was not completed, she was denied a boarding pass. She walked away, leaving the dog at the counter.
Authorities said the woman became hostile and resisted officers while being escorted through security, and she was arrested for animal abandonment and resisting arrest. Airport staff and police immediately stepped in to care for the dog, a Goldendoodle/mini Poodle mix. Officers checked on him while Animal Protection Services took custody to ensure his safety.
Retriever Rescue of Las Vegas took responsibility after the required 10-day hold period ended. They later described him as affectionate, gentle, and very social despite the ordeal he had endured. Spokesperson Danielle Roth commented, “From the moment airport staff realized what had happened, he was surrounded by kindness.”
The video released showed the sequence clearly. The woman initially spoke to airline staff while holding the dog’s leash, tied the leash to the baggage sizer for a short while, came back to talk to staff again, and then simply walked away. Officers later located her at Gate D1 and asked why she left the dog. Her excuse about the tracking device left them in disbelief, highlighting the danger she had placed the animal in by abandoning him in a busy airport terminal late around 11:40 p.m.
The dog, affectionately named Jet Blue, remains safe in foster care and will soon find a forever home. Roth said Jet Blue’s story highlights the importance of community and compassion toward animals. “Despite experiencing abandonment, Jet Blue has shown nothing but love. He greets everyone with trust and warmth, which is honestly remarkable given what he went through,” she explained. Airport staff, law enforcement, TSA, and rescue organizations all played a role in ensuring his safety. Retriever Rescue of Las Vegas continues to monitor his care and is carefully planning to place him in a stable, loving home. Roth noted, “Stories like his remind us how much community matters — and how quickly love can replace heartbreak.”