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Airlines must report deaths of pets
(continued) "We hope the reporting requirement will encourage airlines to go the extra mile in ensuring animals receive safe care and handling," said Mimi Brody, federal affairs director for the Humane Society of the United States. Boris, a boxer-pit bull mix, ran onto the tarmac at LaGuardia on Dec. 24, 1996, was chased by a cargo crew, dashed through a terminal followed by police and finally bolted out the airport door, according to a USA Today report in 2000. The dog was found emaciated and dirty six weeks later in an abandoned building in Queens. Sen. Frank Lautenberg, D-N.J., introduced legislation requiring airlines to report animal incidents. The Boris bill folded into a broader aviation law enacted in April 2000. The new rule will either force carriers to improve handling of pets or encourage them to stop carrying the animals, said David Stempler, president of the Air Travelers Association consumer group. |