Gol suspends transport of animals in the hold of aircraft after the death of dog Joca

The animal spent almost six hours longer than expected being transported (Photo: Reproduction, Social Networks)

The airline Gol has decided to suspend the transport of dogs and cats in the hold of its aircraft. The reason, according to statement released by the company is linked to the investigation process into the death of the dog Joca to be completed.

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The five-year-old Golden Retriever boarded on Monday (22) at Guarulhos airport (SP) bound for Sinop (MT). Due to an error by Gol, the animal ended up going to Fortaleza. Joca’s planned journey was two and a half hours, but he ended up staying in the basement for eight hours.

The restriction also applies to passengers who have already contracted the service, which is suspended until May 23rd. The company informed that customers can request a refund of the amounts paid or postpone the trip until after the date.

For customers who are already traveling and have contracted the service to return to their destinations, they will be able to decide whether or not the company will transport the animals. Services for customers who carry their pets in the cabin continue to be offered as normal.

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Understand the case of the dog Joca

On Monday (22), Joca’s owner, João Fantazzini Júnior, hired Gol’s transportation service for his pet. He was going from Guarulhos (SP) to Sinop (MT) on flight G3 1480. After an operational failure by the company, Joca was boarded on a flight that would go to Fortaleza.

When Sinop arrived, the company communicated the error. João Fantazzini then decided to return to Guarulhos to find Joca. The dog arrived safely in Fortaleza and Gol employees even sent videos to the owner showing Joca embarking again for Guarulhos.

However, Joca died during disembarkation at São Paulo airport. The guardian reported that he presented the company with a certificate that said Joca could survive a two and a half hour journey. In an interview with TV Globo, he regretted that his dog suffered before he died:

— I’ve always seen people’s messages about dogs dying in this situation, but I never expected it, I think what hurts me the most is knowing that he suffered in there, because it’s not fair that he died like that.

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What Gol says

GOL informed that it sympathizes with the suffering of Joca’s owner and his family, which understands their pain and deeply regrets the loss of their pet. The company also announced that it is offering, from the outset, all the necessary support to the tutor and family.

“The investigation of the details of what happened is being carried out with total priority by our team”, says the note. According to g1, the Minister of Ports and Airports, Silvio Costa Silva (Republicans), announced that the ministry will also investigate the case, together with the National Civil Aviation Agency (Anac).

*Under the supervision of Luana Amorim