November 2010 Airline Pet Travel Report

Delta reports the deaths of three dogs and the injury of one dog this month.

A three year-old Pug named Duke was accepted for transport in Munich, Germany. Upon arrival at Ontario, California, Duke was found to be deceased. A necropsy was performed and the findings indicated no obvious cause of death.

An 11 year-old Boston Terrier was found deceased on Delta flight 25. The necropsy was inconclusive, however cause of death was most likely asphyxia. Delta states that there was no losses of oxygen or mechanical malfunctions to indicate a loss of oxygen.

A 21 month-old Bulldog named Skittles arrived in Tokyo, Japan deceased on Delta flight 635, originating in San Francisco, California. A necropsy was performed and indicated the probable cause of death was heat stroke/lack of oxygen. In regard to this incident, Delta states "There was nothing during the transportation of Skittles to indicate mishandling. However, as an extra measure, all SFO baggage acceptance agents will be briefed on the special needs of pug nosed dogs and cats. In addition, agents will confer with their supervisor before accepting this type of pet".