Report Details

Carrier: Delta Air Lines Flight Number: 2049

Date & Time of Incident: 03/21/2018

Type of Incident: Death

Description of Animal: Breed: German Shepherd Dog

Animal Name: Ajax

Description of Incident: A pet German Shepherd "Ajax" was accepted for transport in San Francisco CA (SFO) destined for Atlanta, GA (ATL). The canine was accepted in apparent good health with all required documentation present. After acceptance "Ajax" was transported to the aircraft in SFO and loaded without incident. Upon arrival in Atlanta, GA the ground crew opened the aircraft door and found "Ajax" outside his kennel loose in the aircraft compartment. The Atlanta ground crew contacted our cargo division and obtained a new kennel and moved Ajax into his new kennel without issue. After Ajax was moved to his new kennel, removed from the aircraft and transported to cargo it was determined Ajax had chewed through his original kennel in order to exit his kennel. As a precaution, Atlanta operations made the decision to transport Ajax to Veterinary services for evaluation. Ajax passed at the cargo facility while in the process of transport from the Atlanta airport to Veterinary care.

Cause of Incident: According to the University of Georgia Veterinary Laboratories Ajax died had a large mass on his spleen that ruptured resulting in death.

Corrective Action Taken: Ajax died from a pre-existing medical condition. No corrective action taken.