Report Details

Delta Air Lines Live Animal Incident Report - Redacted Reporting Period: August 2011

Carrier: Delta Air Lines

Flight Number:
Delta 1572

Date and Time of Incident
11August2011, 6:30 AM

Type of Incident:
Death

Description of Animal Breed: German Short Hair Pointer, Age: Two years, six months

Description of Incident: A German Short Haired Pointer was accepted for transportation as checked baggage from Portland, OR to Fayetteville, NC, via Atlanta GA. The pet had sustained a recent injury, was medicated and appeared very docile at the origin. It was noted that it had passed away upon arrival in Atlanta. A necropsy was performed.

Cause of Incident: A cause of death was not apparent by the histological findings of the necropsy. The diagnosis included a hip fracture, lung congestion, lung inflammation and a kidney laceration. The pelvic fracture and other findings were not the cause of death.

Corrective Action Taken: A system wide reminder will be published by September 22, 2012 on the importance of adherence to Delta Air Lines acceptance policies, confirming Delta does not accept animals which exhibit signs of injury, distress, or are demonstrating efforts to escape and that Delta reserves the right to refuse pets as checked baggage if the health of the animal is in question and/or if the animal’s health may be jeopardized by the extreme conditions. Follow-up with the station will be done to develop a local corrective action plan as well.