NewsNet5 out of Cleveland recently did a story about injuries dogs are experiencing when flying on major airlines. From 2009 to 2010, the number of injured pets grew by 90% on US-operated airlines. Although the 55 animals injured in 2010 is still a small number, it is alarming that the number is growing so quickly. I apologize that I don’t have comparative numbers to see if the total number of animals carried on airlines has also risen, so I don’t know if the percentage is better or worse, but I do know that at least 55 pet families were distraught after they arrived at their destinations. Many of the dogs that are injured or die in flight are those with short noses such as Pugs and Bulldogs.
Delta Airlines, which had the highest number of incidents between 2008 and May, 2011 has this to say:
“Delta takes the lost or harm of any animal very seriously, and their safe transports is our top priority. In an effort to further reduce risk during animal transfer, on Feb. 15, 2011, we changed our policy to no longer accept any American, English or French Bulldogs.”
American’s response to the NewsNet 5 inquiry was this:
American Airlines sent the following statement:
“Our Traveling With Pets webpage on our website AA.com covers all of this. And we encourage our customers to be familiar with these policies, because we don’t want any harm to come to a treasured family member.”
Alaska Airlines issued this memo:
“Every pet injury or death during one of our flights is taken seriously and while the number of pet injuries and deaths on Alaska Airlines flights has decreased in the past several years, we continue to be vigilant in safeguarding the pets in our care.”
I’m not sure if as meant in the article, flights can be harmful to dogs when crated and kept in the plane’s freight compartment. Conversely, small dogs weighing up to three kilos, are allowed in the passengers’ cabin and – I don’t know if regulations have changed – but they fly “gratis””. This was my experience with my Lhasa Apso, and never had a problem. Also, the dog is not to be fed, nor given drink, twenty-four hours before flight. Obviously to preven “mishaps”.
Very well written story. It will be useful to anybody who employess it, including myself. Keep doing what you are doing – i will definitely read more posts.