Virgin Airlines retrains cargo staff after crated dogs left on Perth Airport tarmac on scorching day
A furious Melbourne pet owner has unleashed on Virgin Australia over its treatment of her dog, with the beloved animal left caged on the hot airport tarmac for more than 30 minutes.
Kelsey Partridge watched on helplessly from the terminal at Perth Airport, recording her six-year-old Japanese spitz, named Navi, in a crate wrapped in plastic as the temperature soared above 30C two weeks ago.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Dog owner puts Virgin Australia under fire for animal handling
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The dog was headed to Victoria and was one of four animals being shipped.
Pet owners pleaded for action from airline staff, who were then caught in a 30-minute standoff with ground workers to get the dogs out of the sun.
“It turned into one of the most stressful and traumatic experiences of my life,” Partridge told 7NEWS.
Alarming her also, was that airholes in her dog’s crate were covered by plastic wrap.
“I’d really love to know what moron thought that was an efficient and safe way to restrain the animals,” Partridge said.
She said Navi was dehydrated and distressed when the dog arrived in Victoria following the four-hour flight.
Virgin Australia told 7NEWS that cargo staff at Perth Airport will be retrained on how to handle pets travelling on planes.
“The health, safety and wellbeing of all Virgin Australia guests, including pets travelling with us, is our top priority,” the airline said.
“Following this incident our cargo and ramp team have undergone an internal review of processes and both teams have undergone further coaching and training.
“We are very pleased these pets are safe and well but acknowledge our team could have done better to ensure they were more comfortable when travelling with us.”
The RSPCA said it takes only minutes for a dog to develop life-threatening heat stroke.
Navi has since recovered, but a frustrated Partridge said airlines needed to have better systems in place.
