Dog Still Missing After Escape From Cargo Area At Tampa International Airport

TAMPA, FL - Brady, a 4-year-old hound-mix, is still missing after she escaped a metal crate on the Tampa International Airport tarmac. The dog was being placed on a Delta flight Wednesday evening when she chewed through the metal cage and ran away. Airport operations staff, animal control and the air traffic control tower are continuing search efforts for the dog, an airport spokeswoman said.

Brady escaped from the crate in the airport's cargo area about 6:30 p.m. The dog’s owner was identified as William Gideon. The dog was being transported to Bermuda to be reunited with the Gideon family. Airport officials said Friday morning Brady was last seen in Drew Park.

Delta Airlines issued this statement Thursday via email to Patch.com: "Delta and animal control continue the search for a dog that was being loaded onto a flight in Tampa when it bit through the transfer kennel and ran into a heavily wooded area near the airport. We are in direct contact with the pet’s owner."

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Family members, who are in Bermuda, issued this statement on the Facebook site Lost and Found Pets of Hillsborough County:

“Our dog went missing tonight from Tampa International, they were loading her on the plane tonight at 8 p.m. and she "bit through the metal cage" and she ran into the woods. She is chipped but they took off her collar. This is her picture and her name is Brady. Please PM if anyone finds her!! They supposedly have animal control looking for her but nothing yet. Thank you in advance. Please please please she is like our child, if anyone sees her please PM ASAP!!”

Photo via Lost and Found Pets of Hillsborough County/family photo