Originally Posted by
royng
One year since my last post (#13), another piece of sad news from
China Airlines (CI)...
主人託運搭華航來港 愛貓停機坪遭輾死
http://hk.apple.nextmedia.com/realti...70809/57061086
Gist of the news: A cat was to be transported by China Airlines from Taiwan to Hong Kong. But before the cat was loaded onto plane, the cat escaped from cage and was
run over by airplane wheel on tarmac 
After two months of investigation, China Airlines issued only a letter of regret with USD100 compensation. No further details on the course of incident was provided by China Airlines. The cat owner was told by China Airlines via an agent to sue them at his expense if he was not satisfied.
Well the compensation is pretty normal in the industry. I remember news that dogs who died on some other carriers were compensated 15 dollars per KG.
Translated from the article
Now almost all airlines refused to consign the death of the short nose cat. But the kitten was not on the plane, ran out of the cage was the plane was killed, "really is never seen, but the airline does not say, want to know the truth, it is difficult!"
And there have been reports of animals getting loose at many airports around the world over the years.
Putting it into context I think when the owner is not around there is always that risk as animals are unpredictable. People should know the risk and accept it. What would be more interesting is how many animals fly in Cargo with CI. My guess is it would be hundreds per day.
I also love my 2 cats and would be very nervous sending them by air for this reason.