Flat-Faced Dog And Cat Breeds Being Banned From Increasing Number Of Airlines

Flat-faced breeds of dogs and cats are being banned from air travel by an increasing number of airlines. The pets currently face partial bans on American, Continental, Delta and United Airlines due to breating problems and overheating the animals often experience while flying.

The flat-faced breeds accounted for half of canine deaths from 2005 through 2010 with English bulldogs accounting for 25 of 108 deaths for known breeds.

The newest airline to ban the pets is Hong Kong carrier Cathay Pacific while Hong Kong’s SPCA (Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) thinks the ban is too extreme, stating:

“There are cases when air travel is unavoidable, especially when owners need to emigrate,” while adding, “If owners cannot send them in the cabin they may have to abandon them or put them to sleep.”

Do you think airlines should have the right to place bans on air travel for certain animals? Given the treatment I’ve witnessed by some animal owners for their pets, I can understand why they have taken the decision into their own hands.