A National Consumer Secretariat (Senacon), linked to the Ministry of Justice and Public Securitysent a notification to the Gol Linhas Aéreas SA on Tuesday (23), requesting clarification about the death of a dog of the breedold retriever called Joca during a flight on Monday (22).
Senacon charges Gol over the death of his dog Joca during a trip
Photo: Reproduction / Brazil Profile
The deadline for responding is two days, ending today, Thursday (25). Senacon requires information about the company’s animal transport policy, as well as the repair procedures adopted in the case in question. The Secretariat reinforces its commitment to guaranteeing consumer rights, as established by Consumer Protection Codeespecially the principle of vulnerability.
Furthermore, Senacon informed that it will request the participation of National Civil Aviation Agency (Anac) in all procedures related to the case. It is worth mentioning that Anac does not regulate the air transport of animals, with the exception of guide dogswhose standard provides for accommodation in the cabin alongside visually impaired passengers.
“Each airline has a transport rule that specifies the size and weight for the animal to travel in the cabin or cargo compartment of the plane. Companies must inform, in advance, their rules and the conditions necessary for transport, ensuring safety for passengers , crew and the animal itself”highlights the company, in a note.
In the case of Joca, 4 years old, who was traveling by São Paulo for Sinopin Mato Grosso, he was checked into the hold due to his size and weight. However, the dog was diverted to Fortaleza, causing delays and discomfort to the owner, João Fantazzini. When found in São Paulo, Joca was passed out and showing signs of overheating, which resulted in his death.
Gol’s response to the dog’s death
Gol expressed regret over what happened, attributing the route deviation of the animal to an “operational failure”. In response, the company announced the temporary suspension, for 30 days, of the dog and cat transportation service in aircraft holds, starting April 24th. This measure does not affect the transport of animals in the cabin.
This is not the first time that Gol has faced problems related to animal transport. In 2021, a dog named Pandora disappeared during a connection Guarulhos’ airport, being found only after 40 days. As a result of this incident, the airline suspended the shipment of animals in the hold, only to resume it months later.
* Under the supervision of Lilian Coelho
Tags: Ministry Justice demands explanations Gol death dog flight
