It is more than just another case of lost baggage — because this baggage was alive.

A Canadian couple has turned to the internet for help in finding their pet dog Paco, lost by Delta Airlines l after he was checked in for a flight from Mexico City to Detroit.

Josiah Allen, a college student from Ontario, and his girlfriend Erin Docking have collected hundreds of signatures for an online petition entitled: "Tell Delta Airlines to PLEASE FIND Paco!"

"Lost baggage is one thing, but a live animal...," Mr Allen told the Consumerist website where he first aired his complaints.

Delta at first said that the dog remained in its cage at Mexico City airport. But then the airline admitted that Paco had disappeared — and offered a $200 (£134) travel voucher in compensation.