SHIH TZU FANCIERS OF SOUTHERN CA

 AIR TRAVEL OF LIVE ANIMALS

The U.S. Senate has adopted an amendment to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act that could severely restrict air travel for live animals including dogs. The amendment, proposed by Sen. Lautenberg (D-NJ), was the text of legislation he had introduced in the Senate earlier in the year known as the "Safe Air Travel for Animals Act". 

The Senate conducted no study, hearings or debate on the Lautenberg bill, and the addition of his bill to the FAA reauthorization bill was adopted by voice vote without discussion or debate. The U.S. House of Representatives FAA reauthorization bill does not include this amendment. Thus the bill now goes to a Senate-House Conference Committee where it will be decided whether to include this amendment in the final bill. 

The AKC is urging all fanciers to call, fax or e-mail the conferees immediately and urge them NOT to include the Lautenberg amendment known as the "Safe Air Travel for Animals Act" in the conference report on the FAA reauthorization bill (H.R. 1000 in the House, S. 82 in the Senate).

BACKGROUND ON THE ISSUE
The AKC and all purebred dog fanciers strongly support safe air travel for dogs and other live animals. For years we have worked closely with the federal agencies that regulate air shipment of animals to insure adequate regulations and effective enforcement of these regulations. This is an on-going process, and more can certainly be done, perhaps even including additional legislation. However the Lautenberg bill was introduced without any input from the airlines or from animal interest groups. In fact, when the AKC requested a pre-introduction copy of the bill from one of the animal welfare groups that was seeking our support for the bill, it was refused. 

The AKC is concerned that the Lautenberg bill contains provisions that could lead the airlines to abandon or severely curtail the transport of live animals. In particular, the bill contains a provision that would require airlines to retrofit all Class D cargo holds as a condition for carrying live animals. Class D cargo holds are the most common type of aircraft cargo holds, and are in use in thousands of commercial airliners in service today. We have been told that it would cost in excess of $100,000 per aircraft to make this retrofit, plus the cost of taking the aircraft out of service to perform the work. Recently completed research raises serious questions about the necessity for and benefits from this retrofitting, and it is very unlikely that the airlines would make the investment required to continue to carry live animals.

The AKC is supportive of safe air travel for dogs, but has not taken a position on the Lautenberg bill because they believe there are still too many unanswered questions about this bill. Full discussion, hearings and debate need to take place. AKC believes that a rush to enact this legislation could result in legislation that would adversely affect both animals and their owners. It is for this reason that we are urging purebred dog fanciers to OPPOSE the inclusion of the Lautenberg amendment in the FAA reauthorization bill.

WHAT TO DO
The FAA Reauthorization Bill (S.82/H.R. 1000) is likely to be conferenced very soon, so IMMEDIATE action by phone, fax or e-mail is required. Please convey this simple message to the conferees for the bill.

Please do not include the Lautenberg "Safe Air Travel for Animals Act" amendment to S. 82 in the final FAA Reauthorization Bill which you are about to conference. There has been no discussion, debate or hearings on this bill, and I am concerned that the bill could have an adverse impact on both animals and their owners. This legislation should not be adopted without full discussion and debate.

CA Conferee for the FAA Reauthorization Act (S. 82/H.R. 1000) is:
Rep. Steve Horn (R-CA) 202-225-6676 (fax)202-226-1012 steve.horn@mail.house.gov

For the Conferees from other states contact the AKC at http://www.akc.org

UNITED AIRLINES CANCELS PET EMBARGO
- AKC Canine Legislation Department 

October 7th - United Airlines notified the American Kennel Club canceled its embargo on carrying pets as excess baggage December 15th through March 15th.

In an October 6th letter to AKC President Al Cheauré, United Airlines Senior Vice President Chris Bowers wrote:

"Due to concerns raised by our customers and the valued members of the American Kennel Club, United has decided to cancel its winter embargo."

United Airlines will revisit its pet handling policy in early 2000, and we will be sure to post any new information on this web site. For further information on this issue or federal requirements for safe airline transport of pets, please contact AKC's Canine Legislation Department at doglaw@akc.org

CA Legislation Briefs

Hobby Breeders Remain Exempt from Licensing

Homeowners and Dogs

Legislation that Could Restrict Air Travel of Live Animals 

Most Restrictive Spay/Neuter Laws Ever in Los Angeles!  

10 Tips for Successful Involvement in Canine Legislation

How to Write, Call, Meet Your State's Legislators

U.S. Statutes for Animal Cruelty

[Agility] [AKC Standard] [All About Dog Shows] [Buddha & Shih Tzu] [Canadian Standard] [Cookbook] [Dog Tales] [Emergency]  [Good Dog/Bad Dog] [Grooming] [Health] [Horoscope] [Jr. Showmanship] [Legislation] [Links] [Little Lion History] [Little Lion Legends] [Obedience] [Puppy Lemon Laws] [Rescue Program] [Ribbons/Rosettes] [Show Superintendents] [Specialty Dates] [STFSC Code of Ethics] [STFSC Membership App.] [U.S. Shih Tzu Fanciers Clubs]  [What's New?] [Ya Wanna Puppy?]