In light of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s July report that found that at least 122 dogs and 22 other animals have died in airplane cargo holds over the past five years, PETA is cautioning travelers never to fly with their animals unless the animals can be flown in the cabin. A plane’s cargo hold often lacks adequate ventilation and climate control and can reach extreme temperatures quickly, especially when delays leave planes sitting on the tarmac. Sometimes carriers become damaged in transit, and cats and dogs escape and become lost inside airplanes or on runways.

“Animals are not cargo—they are family. Unless you want to risk their lives, transport them by car or leave them with a trusted guardian if they are too big to fly with you in the cabin,” says PETA Vice President Daphna Nachminovitch. “The average dog is terrified to find him- or herself caged and alone in a strange place surrounded by loud noises, strange smells, and the odd sensations of shifting altitudes.”

Every year, PETA receives horrifying reports of animal companions who suffered or died in airplane cargo holds. When Sarah Stano had to relocate to another city, she flew with her cat, Hereford, who was checked into the cargo hold. When her family arrived at their destination, they were told that Hereford had either frozen to death or died from a lack of cabin pressure. Barbara Listenik’s dog Boris escaped upon landing after his crate had been damaged in the cargo hold during the flight. Six weeks later, he was found emaciated in an abandoned tire shop and required four surgeries for injuries he’d sustained.

For more information, please visit PETA’s blog.

*We would also like to mention Airlines are becoming more pet friendly. For example some only boards the animal right before take off and remove the animal during delays and transitions. Some in addition have temperature controlled cargo rooms. Here is more information on Pet Friendly Airlines

Tags | pets cargo, pets flight