Delta puts bulldogs on no-fly list after string of deaths

DELTA Airlines has banned bulldogs from flying on its planes after a string of deaths involving the breed occurred in cargo holds.

Butch the bulldog

DELTA Airlines has banned bulldogs from flying on its planes after a string of deaths involving the breed.

Of the 16 pets that died on Delta flights in 2010, six were bulldogs. The airline created its new policy in February based on a review of last year's incidents, the Atlanta Journal-Constitutionsaid.

American, English and French bulldogs, like other short-faced animals, are susceptible to breathing problems - a condition that can be exacerbated in cargo holds.

Other airlines have already implemented similar - and, in some cases, stricter - measures for bulldogs and other pets.

AirTran Airways and Southwest Airlines only accept pets that can fit in under-seat carriers, while American Airlines stopped allowing short-faced dogs and cats on its planes altogether last November. In hot weather, Delta already bans a broad range of snub-nosed breeds, including pit bulls, pugs and Persian cats.

Michael Markarian, CEO of the Humane Society of the United States, told the Journal-Constitution his organisation was "pleased that Delta is being attentive and responsive to the particular animal welfare concerns with bulldogs" and added that placing pets in cargo holds "really should only be a last resort, when absolutely necessary".

"There's a consumer demand for traveling with pets in a safe and humane manner," Mr Markarian added.

"People want to make sure that their four-legged family members are safe and are cared for, and are not simply thrown in a cargo hold like your suitcase."

Read more at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

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