Report Details

American Airlines: Type of animal: Dog Name: Blue Dog Breed: Dachshund Age: 4 years, 7 months Weight of animal: 5.7kgs

Summary On Tuesday, June 03, 2025, 08:32 PST, one Dachshund (Blue – 4 years) and one Dachshund (Bud – 5 years), were tendered at the American Airlines Cargo Terminal in Los Angeles, CA (LAX) for transport under air [REDACTED]. The dogs were tendered by [REDACTED], a representative for [REDACTED], hired by the owners to assist with transportation of their pets. Blue and Bud were scheduled to travel to London Heathrow, GB (LHR) on flight AA136/03Jun LAX-LHR (etd 13:30 eta 08:00). During the acceptance process, both dogs were removed from their kennels by [REDACTED] for security and screening purposes, applying a slip-collar leash to each dog. The leash for Blue was handed to an American Airlines agent by [REDACTED], while he maintained control of the leash for Bud. After screening was completed, [REDACTED] placed Bud back into his kennel, at which time the American Airlines agent holding the leash for Blue took a step forward, Blue took this opportunity to slip the collar/leash from his head and ran loose within the Cargo warehouse. Blue eluded capture within the warehouse, biting one employee who attempted to capture him, eventually escaping out of the back of the building, and then proceeded to run towards the airfield, crossing two active runways. All available personnel assisted in the pursuit and re-capture of Blue, eventually cornered, and captured beneath a Sky Chef vehicle; one additional employee was bit during the capture. After return to the Cargo warehouse, Blue was examined and determined there were injuries to his front paw pads and nails. Blue was transported to the [REDACTED] for assessment and treatment. The owners were notified and arrived at the veterinary center. Veterinary care identified avulsion to the paw pad and torn dewclaw; however, due to the knowledge that two people were bit during the incident, one breaking the skin, Blue would be required to remain in a 10-day quarantine as per Los Angeles Public Health regulations. Description of corrective action or plan to prevent the incident from reoccurring: Implementing a revised live animal acceptance process that necessitates the closure of all doors leading to the public or the Airport Operations Area (AOA)