From the ArcaMax Publishing, Cats & Dogs Newsletter:
http://www.arcamax.com/news/catsanddogs/s-445202-994668
I was flabbergasted when I learned of a loophole the airlines have
when it comes to reporting animal deaths. I was reading about a puppy
that was crushed to death in her crate on the tarmac of a major
international airport by being run over by a baggage conveyor machine.
Yet, this animal's death was not included in the airline's reported
total animal deaths.
Why? It's because the puppy was being shipped by a breeder. She was
being transported by a business to be someone's pet, but she wasn't
someone's pet yet. The word "animal" for purposes of having to report
a death in the airline industry means one "that is being kept as a pet
in a family household in the United States". So any injured or killed
commercially owned animals being shipped by breeders, farms, pet
stores, laboratories, etc., don't have to be reported to the U.S.
Department of Transportation. What a loophole!!
Of course, airline officials say animal accidents are infrequent. The
figures reported to the U.S. Department of Transportation would
actually support that in light of the thousands of animals being
transported on airlines annually. Bear in mind though, those numbers
reflect only family pets. The public's perception of animal safety on
airlines is as skewed as those numbers.
Although this loophole is sought by the animal and transportation
industries, it doesn't represent the intent of the original reporting
legislation. U.S. Senator Robert Menendez is the author of the
original reporting legislation and he was quoted in the AJC saying "I
believe current policies do not reflect Congressional intent. I am
surprised and disappointed that animals covered by this law have been
defined in such a narrow fashion." Apparently, he's not in agreement
with the law's current interpretation. When spokesman Bill Adams from
the Transportation Department responded, he said the agency's
definition of an animal "properly carries out the mandates of the
statute."
Surprise, surprise ... no one takes responsibility! Meanwhile,
defenseless animals pay the price. Often the ultimate price. So what
can we do? Put pressure on the Department of Transportation through
our congressmen or women for a start. Demand they take another look at
this issue. Meanwhile, make sure to report any instances you may see
on animal safety while traveling, to the U.S. Department of
Agriculture's Animal Plant Health Inspection Service at
ace@aphis.usda.gov or by calling 301-734-7833.
========
Debbie Foster is the owner of Pet Beds Unlimited and an avid animal
lover. You’ll find a wide selection of quality pet beds, dog crates,
dog carriers, dog pens, cat beds, cat carriers, large dog beds, pet
strollers and more at
http://petbedsunlimited.com.