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On Monday, 29th, an elderly dog was abandoned at the Tampa International Airport ticket counter after talks with the owner regarding the provision of covid vaccination certificate for the puppy.
A Good Samaritan noted that the untidy dog had been left unattended with no owner in sight. They believe that the dog is a… Shih Tzu mixed race around 14 years. He also goes by the name Bama.
According to airport staff, Bama was supposed to board a flight to Miami with his owner on Monday morning. However, the woman who carried it to the airport was told at the ticket office to provide information about the covid vaccine to the older dog before boarding. If she couldn’t provide that proof, she would have to pay compensation. Apparently, she then decided to leave the dog behind and board the plane alone.
Tampa Airport Police Chief Charlie Vazquez described how she told staff she would make other arrangements, then walked away from the counter. Apparently she came back, but before that she had just dropped the dog’s leash and walked away. Leaving Bama all alone in the middle of a busy airport.
Vazquez also explained that this was the first time such an incident had occurred while on duty at the Tampa airport, noting that it is dangerous to leave a dog unattended in an airport and the latest is where a owner should even think about.
He goes on to say that the number of cars going in and out of the airport is a major threat to unsupervised dogs. “The dogs can go outside and get hit by cars, which has happened before. We don’t want it to happen again,” Vazquez told Fox13. He also stressed that Bama’s owner should have tried to contact a reputable rescue group who could care for the dog in her absence.
Since the owner had failed to do so, airport staff took it upon themselves to contact a rescue service who might be able to retrieve Bama. The rescue that responded was VIP Rescue, who dispatched Corrin Smith to retrieve the abandoned pup and take him to a safe place to be cared for. Smith described the incident as cruel.
“It’s disgusting. It’s absolutely disgusting and unacceptable,” Smith said.
Smith had rushed straight to the airport when he received word from rescuers about Bama’s situation. He was left next to the American Airlines ticket counter. Police say the woman quickly threw her dog away instead of asking for help.
According to Smith, Bama had felted, had a tumor in his back, had teeth problems and… ear infection, and was generally in very poor condition. He urgently needed a groomer and medical care. Smith feels that the degree of neglect evident in Bama’s circumstances shows that the cruelty began long before the decision to abandon him.
Smith plans to provide all the health care and care that Bama needs to begin his healing journey. “I think he’ll probably live with me for the rest of his life,” she said.
Tampa International Airport Police is currently working with the prosecutor’s office to decide how to proceed and discuss the possibility of prosecuting the woman responsible for the neglect and abandonment. They know who the owner is and have the necessary information to file the complaint.
Chief Vazquez also explained the necessary procedure every owner must follow when planning to travel with a pet, including providing records of rabies and other vaccinations. This information is required by law at the airport and must be immediately available upon arrival. He also advises passengers to check with their individual airline for additional checks or procedures to avoid surprises when the time comes.