December 2007 Airline Pet Travel Report

Comair reports the loss of a cat that escaped its kennel during loading in Harrisburg, PA. The cat appeared to become agitated when it approached the plane and managed to break the latch on an airline approved (IATA) kennel.

SkyWest reports the injury of a Labrador Retriever puppy named Louie. The puppy was found lose upon arrival in Portland, OR on a flight from Salt Lake City, UT. The kennel appeared to have been damaged during loading or flight. The puppy was caught in the hold and given to the owner who later reported the puppy was limping. A veterinarian prescribed anti-inflammatory medication for the puppy. SkyWest reports that the damaged kennel was replaced and the incident was forwarded to the attention of the ramp manager in Salt Lake City for his review and follow up training including memos and briefings for all SLC ramp employees.

American Airlines reports the death of an English Bulldog upon arrival in Miami, FL from Haiti. The necropsy assumes death to be related to breathing difficulties associated with the breed (soft palate interference). This likely resulted in hyperthermia and hypoxia. An investigation was conducted which showed climate controls were working properly in the aircraft cargo compartment.

Delta Airlines reports the death of a cat upon arrival in Tampa, FL from Syracuse, NY. The flight connected through JFK. There is little information on this death. Delta states that the necropsy was not available at the time of the report, but this incident should not have been reported until January 2008. (Jan 2008: This incident has been moved to the Jan 2008 report with additional information.)