Officials at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport said the passenger who took the small show horse onto a plane apparently was trying to pass the horse off as a dog, Atlanta television station WGCL reported Wednesday.

Customs agents said the owner did not have the proper permits, and the horse's crate was too small. After removing the horse from the crate, officials examined it for diseases and fed it.

Officials said the horse seemed to be healthy and made arrangements for the animal to be shipped in a proper container.

The Department of Agriculture said it will issue a report of violation against the airline and the horse’s owner.