After three dog deaths in transit within a month, Qantas has suspended the carriage of certain canine breeds.
It placed a ‘temporary suspension’ on ‘snub-nosed’ dog breeds which include boxers, bull dogs and pugs.
In the meantime Qantas is working with the RSPCA to develop new rules.
It hinted at extra protection for animals in extreme weather and minimising their time on the tarmac before being loaded onto a flight.
Qantas will recommend using registered animal shipping companies which have their own vets based at main airports.
"These types of dogs are hugely popular but unfortunately they are high-risk flyers due to their respiratory system and breathing problems," said Qantas Freight’s chief customer officer Nick McGlynn.
"The risk is even higher in hot conditions and this summer we’ve seen a tragic spike in deaths."
The move has been welcomed by RSPCA Australia’s senior scientific officer Dr Sarah Zito.
"We’re very pleased to see Qantas building upon their existing policies to acknowledge and work toward addressing these risks," Dr Zito said.
