May 2015 Airline Pet Travel Report

Delta reports the death of a four year-old cat named Maxwell. During unloading of the plane in Atlanta, GA. Maxwell's kennel was knocked off the unloading belt and he was able to escape. A ramp agent driving a tug did not see the cat and struck and killed him.
Delta stated that the Agent responsible for unloading aircraft was counseled on options for placement of kennels awaiting transfer to next flights. And that a system-wide reminder of live animal handling requirements was issued.

United Airlines reports the death of a Golden Retriever named Kodiak during a transfer in Chicago, IL. Kodiak died from gastric torsion, also commonly referred to as ‘bloat’. No additional information was provided.

United reports the death of "several" rabbits and guinea pigs on a flight from Houston, TX to San Juan, Puerto Rico. A dog being shipped aboard the same flight chewed through its shipping container, causing fatal injury to several of rabbits and guinea pigs. United stated that they are reviewing the existing container requirements for the transport of rabbits and guinea pigs.