**Delta Air Lines**

**Live Animal Incident Report - Redacted**

**Reporting Period: July 01, 2008 -- July 31, 2008**

**Carrier**

Delta Air Lines

**Flight Number**

Flight \# DL 4907/12 -- CAE/ATL

Flight \# DL 067/12 - ATL/DFW

Flight \# DL063/12 -- ATL/DFW (Alternate)

**Date and Time of Incident**

July 12, 2008 -- 1810-1830

**Type of Incident**

Deceased

**Description of Animal**

Breed: Southern White

Age: 2 years

**Description of the Incident**

The dog "Machine" was traveling on flight 4907/12 arriving late into
Atlanta at 1628. This caused Machine to miss his connecting flight
departing at 1637. Machine was taken to the next flight destined to
Dallas Fort Worth, TX. Flight 063/12 was scheduled to depart Atlanta at
1910 from gate B16. Machine was transported in a container to B16 at
approximately 1715-1720. Flight 063 gate changed to A20 around 1745.
Machine was then transferred from B16 to A20 at approximately 1750-1805.
The curtain was lifted on the container for ventilation during the time
Machine was sitting on the gate. The flight making up the outbound
flight 063/12 arrived A20 around 1825. After unloading the aircraft, the
gate crew immediately started loading the outbound flight. The ramp
agent in charge of loading the aircraft went to load "Machine" on the
aircraft and he noticed the dog appeared motionless. The ramp agent
notified the cargo supervisor. The cargo supervisor arrived at A20
within 10 to 15 minutes after receiving the call. He removed Machine
from the gate area and upon opening the kennel he announced the dog was
deceased. He then took Machine to the cargo facility and immediately
contacted the local kennel company for transport to the nearest
veterinary hospital. The shipper and consignee were also notified. The
shipper gave permission for a necropsy to be conducted by the veterinary
hospital.

**Cause of the Incident**

A necropsy was performed at Delta's expense by Tri City Animal Hospital.
According to the necropsy report, "Due to the degree of external
bruising, etc, it appears that the pets' death was due to struggling
resulting in cyanosis and collapse. Brachycephalic breeds that are
confined to small places are prone to respiratory compromise due to over
exertion."

We remain fully aware of our responsibility and obligation to ensure a
safe, protective environment for each live animal transported. Delta
relied upon the health certificate that was presented at the time of
tender and unfortunately it did not reflect Machine as being a
brachycephalic breed. Per the health certificate, Machine could
withstand temperatures range from 30 degrees to 100 degrees.

**Corrective Action Taken**

An immediate investigation was conducted. Communication was
re-distributed to all stations regarding the policy which excludes
snubbed nosed breeds from being transported when the ambient
temperatures are above 70 degrees. Origin station management reviewed
and stressed to cargo agents policies and procedures, acclimation
statements, health certificates and overall safety for transporting live
animals. Live Animal Safety Briefing and Bulletin was published for the
ground handling agents and Pet First agents. Ground handling agents were
advised never to use containers to transport or hold animals while in
transit.

Due to the sensitive relationship between Machine and his owner, Delta
took immediate action in resolving the matter including, providing for
Machine's cremation.