Report Details

Carrier Delta Air Lines

Flight Number Flight # DL1231/15 – CHS/ATL Flight # DL034/15 – ATL/JNB

Date and Time of Incident October 15, 2008 – Approximately 0800

Type of Incident Deceased

Description of Animal Breed: Domestic Short Hair Cat Age: 9 years

Description of the Incident On October 14, 2008, the shipper appeared at the Charleston, SC (CHS) airport expecting to transport three cats as checked baggage to Johannesburg, South Africa (JNB). Because this international destination does not accept pets as checked baggage, the shipper was escorted to the CHS Cargo facility where he was assisted with booking the cats to travel as cargo. Due to last minute booking arrangements, the three cats had to overnight in CHS. They were scheduled to travel the following morning from CHS to ATL via DL1231. On the morning of October 15th at approximately 0200 Sylvia’s kennel was cleaned. All three cats were provided food and water and they appeared to be in good condition. At approximately 0800, the CHS Cargo supervisor announced Sylvia had expired. The shipper was immediately notified and he provided written and verbal permission for a necropsy to be conducted at the nearest veterinary hospital. Two remaining cats arrived in JNB as scheduled without incident. Due to the long term relationship enjoyed by Sylvia and her owners, Delta arranged for Sylvia’s cremation and the remains were shipped to JNB.

Cause of the Incident A necropsy was performed at Delta’s expense by Dorchester Veterinary Clinic. According to the necropsy report, “Sylvia most likely passed due to untreated thyroid and renal disease. The degree of dehydration noted on the necropsy indicates a chronic rather than acute onset.”

Corrective Action Taken An immediate investigation was conducted. Results of the investigation determined the cats were properly cared for. No corrective actions were warranted.