Report Details

Carrier Delta Air Lines

Flight Number Flight #1273

Date and Time of Incident November 26, 2008 – Approximately 0930

Type of Incident Deceased

Description of Animal Breed: Golden Retriever Age: 4 yrs

Description of the Incident On November 26, 2008, the shipper arrived at the Atlanta, GA (ATL) cargo facility to ship a four year old Golden Retriever, known as “Dusty” to Honolulu, HI (HNL). Shipper completed all the necessary paperwork and returned it to the acceptance counter for processing. After the kennel was inspected and secured, the shipper left the premises. According to the acceptance agent, Dusty began to bark “uncontrollably” shortly after the shipper departed the premises. Dusty was provided water in hopes of calming him down before boarding the flight. Approximately one hour prior to the flight’s departure, Dusty was loaded in a side cart and the driver headed west to the flight area. As the driver traveled west on the service road, another ramp driver that was headed east waved for Dusty’s driver to stop. Dusty was discovered lying motionless on the east side of the service road with external bleeding from his abdomen area and mouth. The driver immediately contacted the cargo supervisor, who promptly arrived to inspect and remove Dusty’s body from the service road. The shipper was also contacted and informed of the incident. The shipper provided us both oral and written authorization to perform an autopsy. Delta arranged for Dusty’s cremation and his remains were shipped to his owners in Hawaii.

Cause of the Incident Dusty had a large puncture in his abdomen and his kennel was severely damaged. A review of the kennel shows several metal pieces removed from its front gate. The necropsy was performed at Delta’s expense by Tri-City Animal Hospital. According to the necropsy report, the “cause of death appear to be severe self trauma, in an attempt to release self from confinement.”

Corrective Action Taken An immediate investigation was conducted. Results of the investigation determined the animal was properly cared for and the kennel met proper shipping requirements. No corrective actions were warranted.