Report Details

CO Flight #90 LAX-EWR Dog - Labrador Mix Name: "Cody" July 18, 2006 Male, 14 yrs old

Owner/Guardian REDACTED

Narrative Description:

Description of the Incident: REDACTED was a passenger on the aircraft and traveled with this dog as well as a second Cocker Spaniel dog (which arrived in excellent condition). The flight from Los Angeles to Newark was delayed arriving into Newark due to weather and was diverted to Cleveland for 3 hours. During the time in Cleveland, the passenger was given access to his animals because Cody required medication and they appeared to be fine. Upon arrival into Newark, Cody was ill with diarrhea and the passenger worked with CO agents to remove him from his kennel and walk him. His crate was also cleaned out and he was given water. After the passenger left the office to catch their connecting flight, the animal was found lying in his kennel deceased.

Description of the Cause of the Incident: The animal was very old and the passenger described him as ill (although he had been given a health certificate by the family's vet). The passenger refused to allow Continental to have a necropsy performed, and stated that he was sure that the animal died because of his age and general health conditions. He thanked the CO agents for their excellent care and concern along the way. An investigation showed that the animals were well protected at every station and temperatures in Cleveland were well within standards during the diversion.

Description of any corrective action taken: None. The animal's death was not transit related.