Instances of pets being abandoned in public areas are becoming alarmingly common. Even more unsettling is that some owners leave their dogs in plain sight, assuming security footage or witnesses will not lead to consequences.
Such an incident took place at Pittsburgh International Airport when a traveler secured his small Chihuahua to a pole, walked away, and continued on to catch his flight.
What he did not expect was the rapid response from law enforcement.
A Shocking Act of Neglect
The Allegheny County Police Department (ACPD) released a troubling announcement on their official Facebook page, informing the public that a dog had been discovered alone in the airport’s short-term parking area.
Their message began with a firm reminder directed at all pet owners: “There is no excuse for leaving your pets behind.”
“At approximately 1:15 pm today, ACPD officers at Pittsburgh International Airport were alerted to a dog that was tied to a pole and appeared to be abandoned in the short-term parking garage,” the post detailed. “Officers responded and were able to un-tie the dog, which fortunately appears to be in good condition.”
The abandoned pup, later identified by WTAE as a Chihuahua, did not have a microchip. Even without that information, officers made it clear they planned to identify the individual who left him behind.
The Search For The Owner
The next day, the police department issued another update to keep the public informed.
“We are looking to identify and speak to this man in connection with the dog left behind at the airport today,” the department wrote. “At this point, we believe he was a ticketed passenger who spent time inside the airport before leaving the dog in the short-term parking garage prior to his flight.”
To assist with the investigation, they released multiple surveillance images and asked anyone familiar with the man to come forward.
While updates were minimal for a short period, the investigation continued quietly. Eventually, ACPD confirmed on Facebook that they had filed charges
They announced that a man from West Virginia had been identified and charged in connection with the case, adding that community contributions played a major role in moving the investigation forward.
“Thank you to everyone who reached out in response to this incident. Thanks to those tips, we have identified the person pictured as 68-year-old David Mittelberger Sr. of Windsor Heights, West Virginia,” officers wrote.
The Chihuahua was confirmed to be named Mikey. Unfortunately, he was suffering from an advanced oral infection that required considerable veterinary care.
He was transferred to Animal Friends, where he would remain until he recovered fully and could be made available for adoption.
Not The First Incident
This upsetting event echoed another case that had occurred only a few months earlier at nearly the same location in the airport.
During that previous incident, a French Bulldog had been left behind. Investigators learned that the owner had been informed that her dog could not fly without a crate. Instead of complying, she simply left the dog at the airport and continued her travel plans.
The same police department took charge of that case as well, issuing a clear warning through Facebook profile.
“Don’t leave your pets behind!” they wrote in their post at the time.
If Mikey’s owner had seen that earlier warning, he evidently ignored it. He may also have missed the update that the French Bulldog’s owner faced multiple charges, including animal cruelty and neglect.
Regardless of his reasoning, he ended up facing the same outcome.
The French Bulldog, named Frenchy, eventually recovered and was adopted by a compassionate family. Mikey, meanwhile, continues to heal under the care of professionals who are ensuring he gets the medical support he needs.
Shelter workers and rescuers believe that once Mikey completes his treatment, it will not be long before he also finds a committed and loving adopter.
These two cases serve as powerful reminders of the harm caused by abandoning pets. They also highlight the dedication of law enforcement, rescue organizations, and community members who work together to protect vulnerable animals.
With every successful investigation and every dog placed in a safe home, authorities reaffirm their message: abandoning an animal is unacceptable, and accountability will follow.