A Texas man has been charged after an abandoned dog was found at the Pittsburgh International Airport. 

According to Allegheny County Police, around 5 p.m. on Friday, county officers were alerted to the dog, which was running loose near the curb at depatures. 

With the help of some bystanders, they were able to locate and secure the dog. 

The dog, a Labrador puppy, is now in foster care. 

As officers began investigating, they spoke with a 42-year-old man, Omar Perez of Texas, and he told them he saw an Uber driver abandon the dog. 

However, they later learned that Perez had abandoned the dog when he learned he would not be able to fly with it. 

Perez is now being charged with animal cruelty and animal abandonment. 

More dogs abandoned at Pittsburgh airport

This is the second time in recent history that a traveler abandoned a dog at the Pittsburgh International Airport. 

In 2023, a woman left her dog in a stroller near the entrance to the short-term parking lot. 

While that dog did not have a collar, police were able to use the microchip to identify its owner. They learned the owner was told she could not bring the dog on the flight and would have to have the dog crated. She declined, but still boarded a flight to Mexico. 

Originally, she was charged with neglect and animal cruelty, but those charges were withdrawn after a guilty plea. 

Allison Gaiser, the owner of the bulldog, ended up paying a $150 fine. 

After the dog was found, it was taken to Animal Friends, where they were “inundated” with requests to adopt the dog. 

“We are grateful for the interest and compassion, but for now, we are focused on moving this case forward and ensuring the dog receives the justice he deserves. The outcome of the case will determine his next steps and his final home,” Animal Friends said in a news release at the time. 

Just a couple of months later, another dog was found at the airport; this time, the dog was found tied to a pole in the short-term parking garage. 

If you walk through the city of Latrobe, you’ll find reminders of Fred Rogers, the beloved neighbor, television host, author, composer and hometown hero, almost everywhere. You can even stop by Rogers Park downtown and take a picture with him, immortalized in bronze, seated on a bench, as if he’s ready to sit down and have a conversation.

A new restaurant and plaza on Pittsburgh’s North Shore will be open and ready to go by the time the Pirates return home for their home opener at PNC Park. 

The Plaza at North Shore and the new fast-casual restaurant SugarBird will open on April 2, and it is located at the corner of Mazeroski Way and General Robinson Boulevard. 

“This is the crown jewel of the North Shore, and we are unveiling it at a time when all eyes are on Pittsburgh,” said Herky Pollock, owner of Legacy Hospitality Partners. “We are opening with a lot of fanfare and worldwide notoriety, starting with Opening Day and leading right into the [NFL Draft].” 

SugarBird will offer what is being described as a “playful” menu of fried chicken, donuts, and ice cream. There will also be a full bar. 

The 30,000 square-foot outdoor plaza, along with SugarBird, will also include Highball Social Club, a 15,200 square-foot experiential restaurant and bar, which is expected to open in the fall. 

Once The Plaza at the North Shore is open, it will be a place that features games, activities, live music, festivals, yoga, and other entertainment. 

“The North Shore has rapidly become the city’s premier entertainment district, and we’re committed to taking it to the next level in this district by providing unique and welcoming experiences for every demographic,” added Pollock. 

There will be two performance stages and a 40-inch LED screen that will televise games, movies, and other must-see events. 

Finally, in the lead-up to the NFL Draft, there will be multiple concerts at the plaza, and thsoe will be announced in the coming days.