Allie's owner handcuffed her outside the airport and boarded a plane without her
The recent holiday season was a difficult time for many travelers, especially air travelers. But no one had a worse travel ordeal than a 1-year-old puppy whose owner left her at the Des Moines airport last week.
Although the situation is heartbreaking, this poor dog is now in good hands - and will soon be looking for a new home.
The Animal Rescue League of Iowa reported that on Dec. 29, a 1-year-old dog now named Allie was found tied up outside Des Moines International Airport.
The dog's owner reportedly tried to board the plane with the dog but did not have a kennel. The owner then left the airport with the dog, returned alone, and boarded their flight. Allie is later found outside the airport.
According to the Daily Mail, the owner is 24-year-old Bigsen Charles, who said he left the dog behind so he could make his flight to New Jersey: “I already checked in and didn't want to miss my flight.” He told the Daily Mail. "I thought if I paid for the dog on the plane they would give her a kennel. I didn't know I had to bring my own."
Charles claimed he wanted someone to pick up the dog, but was unable to make the necessary arrangements: "I knew someone would eventually take her."
According to Today, an arrest warrant was issued and the owner turned Allie over to the Animal Rescue League of Iowa. Despite everything, the dog is in good spirits.
“(She is) very friendly and loved everyone from the airport staff who came out, brought her a blanket, stayed with her, loved her, and gave her all the attention until our animal services staff came and picked her up,” ARL CEO Tom Colvin said today. "She is so nice."
Colvin also added that Allie didn't wait outside for long, thankfully, and avoided the freezing cold weather from a few days earlier.
He also said things will get better soon: She will soon be put up for adoption and will start looking for a forever home.
“Once Allie receives her spay surgery, microchipping and any other veterinary services required, she will be available for adoption,” the ARL said today.
The case is still being investigated. In Iowa, animal abandonment is a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of at least $105 and punishable by up to two years in prison.
But the important thing is that Allie is in good, safe hands and we hope she finds a better home very soon.
It's heartbreaking for anyone to give up their dog like this, but we're glad Allie is doing well and can't wait for her to find a new home!
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