Dog Losses Teeth After Chewing Through Crate to Escape During Flight
A stressed dog flying from Turkey to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport has reportedly lost two teeth while trying to chew through its crate and escape during the flight.
The dog identified as Sally, was said to be so anxious that it chewed through the side of its plastic crate, creating a large hole that allowed its head to pass through.
The video of the incident shared on Instagram by the Dutch K9 Detection team shows the dog poking her head out of a hole in its crate after a flight. Another part of the video shows the dog spending some time on the tarmac being comforted and petted by handlers.
A statement shared along with the video revealed that the incident came to light after the plane landed, and the dog was discovered loose in the cargo hold.
Airport staff, along with animal handlers from Dutch K9 Detection, quickly responded to the situation. Despite losing two teeth in its escape attempt, Sally appeared to be relatively unharmed and was described as “super sweet and affectionate.”
The dog was safely removed from the crate and provided with water and a shaded area to rest. Thanks to the coordinated efforts of airport authorities and animal welfare organizations, Sally was eventually reunited with its owner.
“Sally, as the dog later turned out to be called, had lost two teeth trying to escape from the bench. She had eaten a large hole in the bench with a lot of effort, but she hadn’t gotten beyond a hole where her head could just go through. When we approached her, Sally appeared to be super sweet and affectionate,” the statement reads.
“We acted quickly to get Sally from the device and free her from the demolished bench. Consequently we provided her with water and a place in the shade.”
The incident has sparked concerns about the safety and well-being of animals transported by air. Many believe that the stress of air travel can be detrimental to the health and well-being of pets, especially those who are anxious or prone to escape.
The Dutch K9 Detection team, in a social media post, emphasized the importance of considering the stress levels of dogs before flying with them. They advised pet owners to opt for metal carriers if their dogs are prone to escape attempts, prioritizing safety over convenience. The team explained that plastic carriers, while often used for convenience, can be less suitable for stressed dogs who may try to escape. Metal carriers, they argued, are more robust and escape-proof, providing a safer option for animals.
“Does your dog have stress in a bench? Consider whether flying with your dog is the best choice. If flies are necessary, opt for a metal bench if you suspect your dog may try to escape,” the team shared.
According to a Newsweek report, Dutch dog handler Bob Doornheim said, “We often see these situations with plastic dog carriers. When a dog becomes stressed and tries to escape, some dogs will exert so much effort to get out that they start chewing and digging wherever possible. Just because a dog is accustomed to a carrier does not guarantee that it will be fine in an airplane.”
“An aircraft is a completely different environment with many new sounds, smells, and movements during takeoff, turbulence, and landing. Given our experience with these situations, we find that plastic dog carriers are less suitable. We therefore recommend using a metal dog carrier that is more robust and escape-proof.”
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