Airlines May Have To Report Animal Deaths

by Kimberly Coleman and ANC Staff

Congress recently passed a new piece of legislation which would require all United States passenger airlines to report any deaths or issues involving the transportation of animals on their flights.

Commercial airlines are reportedly threatening to cease all animal transport services should these requirements be approved by the White House, where the legislation is currently awaiting consideration.

Airline representatives state that the number of animal fatalities and mishaps are low based on the volume of animals that are transported on passenger planes each year.

Airlines charge an additional fee for the transportation of animals, but allow most animals passage either in the passenger cabin as a carry-on item that requires the carriers to fit under the cabin seats, or caged in the cargo bay of the aircraft.

The new regulations, if approved by the White House, would require the airlines to document the handling of the animal from check-in until the time the animal is returned to his or her owner.

The Transportation Department currently publishes a monthly report on airline performance. Under the proposed legislation, their animal transportation performance would also be tracked and included in this report.

Consumer and animal rights groups feel that this reporting is necessary for the consumer to make informed choices about the manner and the carrier with which they choose to transport their pets.

Over the years there have been reports of animals being lost in transit, and even dying during the journey.

Cargo holds sometimes do not enjoy the same moderated air pressure, air quality or temperature control which is maintained in the passenger cabin.

Depending on individual airline policies, some airline cargo holds may be allowed to reach extremely cold or hot temperatures during the flight, and ventilation may be poor.

In addition to the risks of heat-exhaustion, hypothermia, dehydration or asphixiation in the cargo hold, there have also been reports of incidents where animals suffered from rough handling of travel crates during loading and unloading procedures on the ground.

Aware of these problems, many pet owners arrange to carry their smaller pets with them in the passenger cabin, or alternatively choose to use the new breed of small specialty air transportation services such as "Companion Air" that cater to animals and their human traveling companions in order to provide a safer, less traumatic travel experience for families and their pets.

© 2003 Animal News Center, Inc.