ALLEGHENY COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) — Pennsylvania police are making sure all travelers know that if you abandon your pet at an airport, you will be charged.

The message from Allegheny County Police comes after a man allegedly abandoned a Labrador puppy at the Pittsburgh International Airport last week.

It was around 5 p.m. when someone alerted police about an abandoned dog running loose in the departure area of the airport. Police said they were able to get the dog with the help of witnesses.

The investigation led police to 42-year-old Omar Perez, of Texas, a Facebook post reads. When questioned, Perez allegedly claimed he saw an Uber driver abandon the dog, but police said they were able to determine he left the dog when he found out he couldn’t fly with it.

Pup abandoned at Pittsburgh International Airport. Photo from Allegheny County Police.

Pup abandoned at Pittsburgh International Airport. Photo from Allegheny County Police.

Pup abandoned at Pittsburgh International Airport. Photo from Allegheny County Police.

Pup abandoned at Pittsburgh International Airport. Photo from Allegheny County Police.

Pup abandoned at Pittsburgh International Airport. Photo from Allegheny County Police.

Pup abandoned at Pittsburgh International Airport. Photo from Allegheny County Police.

“Don’t leave your pets behind,” police wrote. “We will investigate and we will file charges.”

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Police said Perez faces multiple charges, including animal cruelty and animal abandonment. Meanwhile, the abandoned pup was placed in foster care, the post reads.

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