Virgin ban on snub-nosed dogs

A tragic summer for snub-nosed dogs on flights has prompted one airline to ban them altogether.

Virgin Australia will no longer transport snub-nosed breeds of dogs like pugs, Boston terriers, boxers and bulldogs because of the health risks. Picture: Nicki Connolly.

Virgin Australia will ban the­ ­carriage of snub-nosed dogs ­altogether after a worrying spike in deaths of those breeds during domestic flights over summer.

At least three dogs, including a boxer, a French bulldog and a British bulldog-cross, have died on Qantas flights, prompting that airline to temporarily suspend the carriage of snub-nosed breeds until a new policy is implemented.

This included requiring customers wishing to transport snub-nosed breeds to have a veterinarian sign off on the dog’s fitness for the trip.

A Virgin Australia spokesman told The Australian that the airline had reviewed its own policy and decided the risks associated with snub-nosed breeds were too great.

“While we understand that snub-nosed breeds are a popular choice of pet, they are a high-risk animal to transport due to their known respiratory issues and other health problems that may be compounded in flight,” the spokesman said.

“Virgin Australia has made the difficult decision to no longer accept bookings for snub-nosed breeds until further notice.

“We are notifying our guests of this change.”

Any bookings made before January 24 would be honoured but anyone with a booking who wished to cancel it as a result of the change would receive a full refund for the pet’s and the customer’s travel.

The spokesman said Virgin Australia was committed to upholding the highest standards when it came to the safe transportation of pets.

“We continually review and enhance our operating procedures and work closely with animal welfare bodies such as the RSPCA to ensure the safety and welfare of animals travelling across our network,” the spokesman said.