Banned carriage of Brachycephalic dogs and cats on Cathay Pacific

No carriage of Brachycephalic dogs and cats on Cathay Pacific from 18 July 2011

 The airline has banned the so-called brachycephalic breeds (pugs, bulldogs, and boxers, as well Himalayan, Persian and exotic short-hair cats) due to concerns that certain types of short-nosed animals have an increased risk of breathing problems and overheating due to the stress of flying.


The move comes a year after the U.S. Department of Transport (DOT) released figures detailing the number of in-flight canine deaths between May 2005 and May 2010.



English bulldogs accounted for 25 of the 108 deaths of known breeds – far more than any other pedigree.


Brachyphalic dogs are at a higher risk of death because their breathing is more restricted than that of a dog with a longer muzzle. This restricted breathing makes it harder for a short-faced dog to cool itself down by panting.

American Airlines imposed a complete ban on the travel of snub-nosed cats and dogs in its cargo holds or as checked luggage, limiting their travel to in-cabin only. The airline also established a ban on eight breeds – including boxers, pugs and Boston terriers –between the summer dates of June 30 and September 1.

Delta Airlines, United Airlines and Continental Airlines offer similar temperature-contingent restrictions for the cargo and checked-baggage travel of pets.

Singapore airlines has issued a complete ban on snub-nosed dogs as well as their cross breeds.

Dogs
Affenpinscher
Tibetan Spaniel
Boston Terrier
Boxer
Brussels Griffon
Bulldog
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Chow Chow
Dogue de Bordeaux
English Toy Spaniel
Japanese Chin (Japanese Spaniel)
Lhasa Apso
Mastiff (all breeds)
Pekingese
Pug (all breeds)
Shih Tzu
Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Cats
Himalayan cat
Persian cat
Exotic shorthair