Woman Abandons Dog in Taxi After Being Denied Boarding on Flight
When her American Bully was refused access to the plane due to health risks, a traveler in Belgium chose to board her flight alone—sending her dog in a taxi to an animal shelter. The shocking act sparked outrage before the dog was safely rehomed.
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A Shocking Taxi Passenger
On September 11, 2025, staff at the SRPA Veeweyde animal shelter near Brussels were stunned when a taxi driver arrived with an unusual passenger: a caged American Bully named Pako. The dog had been sent directly to the shelter by his owner, who decided to abandon him after being unable to board her flight together.
Pako belongs to a brachycephalic breed, characterized by a short skull shape. Such breeds are at high risk of severe breathing problems during flights. For this reason, airlines commonly ban them from both cabins and cargo holds. When boarding was refused, Pako’s owner chose to continue her trip without him.
“Irresponsible and Inadmissible”
Instead of postponing her plans or arranging responsible care, the woman boarded her plane alone and ordered a taxi to deliver her dog to the shelter. The driver was left bewildered, forced to transport an abandoned animal.
“Rather than finding a responsible solution, she simply left him behind. It is shocking and inadmissible,” SRPA Veeweyde stated on Facebook, strongly condemning the abandonment.
The association initially announced plans to file a complaint against the woman for animal abandonment, a crime under Belgian law.
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A Happier Ending for Pako
Fortunately, the story took a more hopeful turn. After discussions with the woman’s relatives, the shelter reported that Pako has since been entrusted to close family members of his former owner. Meanwhile, she remains abroad, leaving the dog in their permanent care.
Despite the outrage, Pako is now safe and no longer at risk of neglect. The shelter confirmed he has adjusted well and is in good hands.
Lessons From a Disturbing Case
This incident highlights the unique challenges of traveling with brachycephalic dogs, such as Bulldogs, Pugs, and American Bullies. Their restricted airways make them vulnerable to respiratory distress during flights, and most airlines have implemented strict restrictions for safety.
But as animal advocates point out, abandoning a dog is never the answer. Travelers facing such obstacles should plan alternatives—delaying trips, seeking pet sitters, or using ground transportation.
As SRPA Veeweyde stressed, abandoning an animal remains both irresponsible and unforgivable.
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