NJ Man Charged After Abandoning Dog Outside Iowa Airport: Police

DES MOINES, IA — A New Jersey man is facing charges after he left his dog tied up outside the Des Moines International Airport with no food or water before boarding a flight to Newark, according to authorities.

Charles Simon Bigsen, 24, of Newark, was charged with abandonment and animal cruelty after he left his dog tied up outside the Des Moines airport on Dec. 29, according to a police complaint obtained by The Des Moines Register.

The Animal Rescue League of Iowa said the 1-year-old dog was found after workers reported finding the dog outside the airport. Workers told authorities the dog was unable to board a cross-country flight home with her owner because the owner did not have a kennel.

According to the ARL, Bigsen left the airport with the dog but returned alone before proceeding to board his flight.

The police complaint said the dog was found tied to a post on a short leash with no food, shelter or water, the Register reported.

"During a subsequent conversation ... (Bigsen) advised investigators he provided no provisions for the dog and did not make arrangements for the dog to be retrieved. Additionally, he said he had no intentions to reclaim the dog," the complaint read. "A witness (airport employee) covered the dog with a blanket and remained with the dog until police arrived."

The Animal Rescue League is currently caring for the dog, who they named Allie.

"Allie is incredibly sweet and is now safe in our care and loving attention from our staff team," the Animal Rescue League said in a statement.