Report Details

Priority Pet Incident Report
Type: Escape Date/Time of Incident: April 19, 2006, approx 14:00 Location: DTW Routing: OKA-KIX (JL) – KIX-DTW-MSP-FAR (NW) Description of Animal: Cat; male Siamese named “Mickey” Approx 6 yrs Description of Incident: Cat escaped from its kennel through door. Cause of the Incident: Door was closed but not latched.

Passenger originated in Okinawa, Japan with 11 pet cats. Upon arrival into DTW, all 11 cats were brought on cart for Ms. Holm to clear US Customs. Ms. Holm opened the kennel of several cats, including Mickey, to comfort the animals. One of the cats attacked Ms. Holm, scratching her face/neck. Airport paramedics treated her injuries. Passenger was later treated at hospital. Customs and Border Protection agents recaptured the cat that inflicted injury to owner.

After US Custom’s cleared Ms. Holm and the cats, NW personnel loaded the cats into NW’s Priority Pet van for transfer. While filling the water trays of the kennels, NW employee witnessed but was unable to prevent “Mickey” squeeze out the corner of kennel door. Cat jumped out of van and ran into bag room. A search remains active for the cat.

Corrective Action Taken: Reminder to airports to verify doors are secure before acceptance.