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VANCOUVER — While the search continues for a greyhound dog that was lost by Air Canada in San Francisco, another pet owner has come forward with a heartbreaking story involving the airline.

Ontario resident Susan Penney said her daughter was flying to Toronto from Smithers, B.C. in May when Air Canada lost her dog during a plane change in Vancouver.

While the flight was stopped at YVR, the dog named Niyah escaped from its kennel, according to Air Canada.

Airline officials and Penney’s daughter searched the airport grounds for two days before finding the dog’s body at the end of the runway.

Penney was told Niyah was attacked and killed by an eagle.

Niyah was killed after escaping from its kennel on an Air Canada flight. Susan Penney

Air Canada said in a statement its Vancouver team was “devastated” by the news about Niyah and conducted extensive searches for the dog.

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The airline also paid for Penney’s daughter’s hotel accommodation, flew a family member to YVR from Smithers to help search for the dog, paid for Niyah’s cremation and delivered the remains to the family.

According to Air Canada, an investigation revealed the kennel’s clasps became unlatched, which enabled the dog to escape.

But Penney said in light of the missing greyhound and her own tragic story, she believes pet owners should be warned that Air Canada can’t be trusted to keep travelling animals safe.

With files from Sean O’Shea