Dog Kicked By Flier At Dulles Airport In June Returns To Work

DULLES, VA — Freddie, the 5-year-old beagle that was kicked by a traveler in June, has returned to his job as an agriculture detection dog at Washington Dulles International Airport, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

On June 24, CBP agriculture detector dog Freddie and his handler Melissa Snyder were inspecting baggage that had just arrived at the airport on a flight from Cairo, Egypt, when the 5-year-old beagle alerted to one of the Egyptian traveler's suitcases, according to CBP.

As a CBP officer began questioning the traveler, the man kicked Freddie with enough force to lift the 25-pound dog off the ground. Other CBP officers handcuffed the traveler, whom they identified as Hamed Ramadan Bayoumy Aly Marie, and handed him over to officers with the Department of Homeland Security.

Freddie was examined by a veterinarian who determined that he had suffered contusions to his right forward rib area.

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CBP agriculture specialists examined Marie's baggage and found 55 pounds of beef meat, 44 pounds of rice, 15 pounds of eggplant, cucumbers, and bell peppers, two pounds of corn seeds, and a pound of herbs, according to officials. All agriculture products were prohibited from entering the U.S. and seized.

During an initial hearing in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia on Wednesday, Marie pleaded guilty to a charge of harming animals used in law enforcement, according to CBP.

We know there was a lot of concern over CBP's K9 Freddie. We are happy to report he is back at work!! pic.twitter.com/4ienqrf5zU
— Dulles Airport (IAD) (@Dulles_Airport) July 11, 2025

After being credited for time served, Marie was ordered to pay the veterinarian's fee and immediately report to the CBP for removal from the U.S. CBP reported that Marie was put on a 12:30 p.m. flight to Egypt on the same day.

“We appreciate that everyone is reaching out and wanting to know how to help Freddie,” Snyder told NBC4 reporter Juliana Valencia. “Please, instead of sending us donations or gifts to him, He can't accept them. Go ahead and donate them to a local organization. And when you come in, declare what you have. It makes it easier for everyone.”

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