The Surette family lost their two bulldogs, Winter and Soju, during a military-contracted Patriot Express flight from South Korea to Seattle. The dogs seemed fine during a layover in Japan but died after an extended delay on the tarmac where the plane lost power and air conditioning. The Surettes had chosen the flight believing it would be temperature-controlled, and now, they seek answers about the circumstances of their pets’ deaths.
Key Points:
- The Surette family’s two bulldogs, both in good health before the flight, died after a tarmac delay where the aircraft’s power and air conditioning failed.
- The Air Mobility Command, responsible for the flight, has stated that once passengers and pets are onboard, international charter service personnel take over and they weren’t involved in immediate decision-making during the flight delay.
- In July 2022, three dogs died during overseas moves, prompting an apology from the head of the Air Mobility Command.
- Snub-nosed breeds, like bulldogs, are more susceptible to respiratory problems. The U.S. Department of Transportation reported these breeds are more likely to die on airplanes than others.
- Transportation of pets during Permanent Change of Station (PCS) moves has become increasingly challenging and costly, leading to a new Defense Department policy starting in January, allowing reimbursements for some pet relocation costs.
