Dog flew undetected from Hong Kong to Japan in owner's luggage

Dog flew undetected from Hong Kong to Japan in owner's luggage

A cheeky Schnauzer sneaked into its owner's suitcase and flew the entire five-hours flight from Hong Kong to Japan undetected, Apple Daily reported. Factoring in two hours of waiting time, the trapped dog was lucky to be alive.

On Dec 28, the owner had departed from Hong Kong for a holiday with his family in Japan, when the dog slipped into his luggage.

According to Apple Daily, the owner received a phone call from his mother-in-law just as he was about to board a coach outside Hokkaido Airport, telling him that the dog was nowhere to be found. The owner then rummaged through his suitcase and found the dog inside, thankfully still alive and well.

The man's tour guide then suggested that he hand the dog to Japanese customs authorities who would help to send it back to Hong Kong.

The baffled owner also reportedly told family and friends that he had zipped his suitcase up without checking its contents.

According to Ejinsight.com, the bizzare incident was more than a case of a dog with separation anxiety. The fact that a live animal could bypass customs and security checkpoints undetected raises questions on the inspection standards of both Hong Kong's and Japan's airports.

"How could the X-ray machines and safety inspections miss the dog? The customs and airport security staff are either blind or retarded," a netizen remarked.

A training director at the Hong Kong Canine Training Association said putting a dog in a suitcase and taking it aboard a plane could constitute to smuggling and even animal abuse since there is a risk of suffocation in a sealed space.

One thing's for sure - do not attempt to try this on your own pet.

debwong@sph.com.sg

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