In the wake of the death of seven puppies being transported by American Airlines, the Animal Legal Defense Fund and the Humane Society of the United States are asking the federal government to conduct a “full investigation.”
“According to recent media reports, fourteen puppies were loaded onto the cargo hold of an American Airlines plane in Tulsa that was scheduled for departure at 6:30 a.m.,” the letter said.
“The plane was delayed for approximately an hour, during which time the temperature rose to at least 86 degrees…The puppies apparently survived the flight, but were lethargic upon landing in Chicago. They were then taken to a veterinarian’s office, where seven of the puppies died,” the letter continued.
The groups said the incident was similar to one in 1994 when 32 puppies died after being transported in the cargo hold of a Delta Boeing 737 from St. Louis to Salt Lake City.
The groups said the incident was a “potential violation of the Animal Welfare Act” requiring “humane transportation.” The civil penalty could carry a fine of US$140,000.
An American Airlines spokeswoman said American would cooperate with any government agency that investigated the puppy deaths.
By David Wilkening
