| Aer Lingus make it
a dog’s life for pooches
DOG rescue groups have urged Aer Lingus to reverse their decision to
stop carrying animals on short-haul flights.
The airline stopped the service at the beginning of the month because
a new generation of aircraft now being used is unsuitable for carrying
animals.
An airline spokesperson said the ventilation in the hold of the new aircraft
was inappropriate.
But Golden Retriever Rescue Ireland has warned the decision would be
disastrous for the organisation which has found homes in Britain for 23
dogs so far this year.
Its founder Sandie Bissett said: “We have had so many dogs coming
through the door that we’ve had to set up a group in Britain to
help house them.
“Being able to take them on Aer Lingus has been a great help as
there is a four-hour turnaround.
“I’ve been going three times a week since January. In some
cases, the only alternative was to bring the dogs to the pound to be put
down.”
And the World Sheepdog Trials due to take place in Ireland for the first
time in July could also be hit.
The event has attracted some 240 qualifiers from over 20 countries but
organisers fear the new restrictions will cause problems for some of the
people travelling from abroad to Tullamore in Co. Offaly.
Organising committee member Michael Ryan condemned the Aer Lingus decision.
He said: “The message being sent out is that we don’t want
anyone coming into this country with a pet. They should be ashamed of
themselves.”
And the Irish Kennel Club’s St Patrick’s Day Show —
the biggest dog show in Ireland — may also be affected by the new
rules as around 200 dogs travel from Britain to Dublin for the show every
year.
Any animals booked with Aer Lingus before March 1 as excess baggage are
being carried on board the older jets which are now being phased out.
Animals are still carried on board the airline’s transatlantic flights
and guide dogs remain with their owners in the cabin. | 