WASHINGTON – The federal government is making it easier for consumers to determine whether to bring your pet on board airplanes under new regulations taking effect June 15.
Commercial airlines will now be required to report incidents involving the loss, injury, or death of an animal during transport. The reports will be made public through the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) monthly publication Air Travel Consumer Report, available online at http://airconsumer.ost.dot.gov/reports/. Previously, incidents were simply included in the lost baggage reports.
According to the DOT, more than "two million pets and live animals are transported by air every year in the United States." The HSUS has received numerous complaints from all corners of the country about animals who were lost, injured or died due to extreme heat or cold temperatures, lack of oxygen, or rough handling while being transported in commercial airline cargo holds.
"This reporting requirement will help consumers compare airlines' safety track records on carrying animals," said Mimi Brody, federal affairs director for The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). "People will now be better equipped to understand the risks of flying their pets. We hope this new accountability will also encourage airlines to do all they can to ensure safe handling for animals entrusted to their care."
Because of the new rule, consumers should now file complaints directly with the airlines they used in the event of an animal incident while flying. Consumers may also want to fill out an air travel incident report and follow guidelines available at www.hsus.org.
Despite the new requirements, The HSUS still recommends avoiding the transport of pets in airplane cargo holds unless absolutely necessary, given the dangers of such travel.
"With the summer travel season upon us, the publishing of this final rule is welcome news, but it is most likely going to take some time for these new procedures to run smoothly," said Kelly Connolly, issues specialist for the companion animals division of The HSUS. "Although The Humane Society of the United States believes that leaving a pet at home or at a responsible boarding kennel is the safest thing to do, we realize that people do sometimes fly with companion animals. If taking your pet on an airplane is unavoidable, planning and research should be done well in advance of actually booking a flight, and we recommend that every effort is made to bring pets into the cabin of the plane when flying."
The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization representing more than nine million members and constituents. The non-profit organization is a mainstream voice for animals, with active programs in companion animals and equine protection, disaster preparedness and response, wildlife and habitat protection, animals in research and farm animal welfare. The HSUS protects all animals through education, investigation, litigation, legislation, advocacy, and field work. The group is based in Washington and has numerous field representatives across the country. On the web at www.hsus.org.
