I was stunned when I learned of an airline industry loophole in reference 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 fatalities.

How could this be?  It's because the puppy was being transported by a breeder.  She was being shipped 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 accidents with animals are rare.  The numbers reported to the U.S. Department of Transportation would actually support that in light of the thousands of animals being shipped on airlines each year.  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 supported by the animal and transportation industries, it doesn't reflect the intent of the original reporting law.  U.S. Senator Robert Menendez is the author of the original reporting law 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."  Obviously, he's concerned by what's happening.  When spokesperson Bill Adams from the U.S. Department of Transportation 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 incidents you may see on animal welfare 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.   

About the Author

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.