Aer Lingus urged to lift dog ban

DOG rescue groups yesterday urged Aer Lingus to reverse their decision to stop carrying animals on short-haul flights.

The airline stopped carrying animals at the beginning of the month because a new generation aircraft now being used is unsuitable for carrying animals. A spokesperson said the ventilation in the hold of the new aircraft was inappropriate.

Golden Retriever Rescue Ireland said the decision would be disastrous for the organisation which has found homes in Britain for 23 dogs so far this year.

“We have had so many dogs coming through the door that we’ve had to set up a group in the UK to help house them,” said founder Sandie Bissett. “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,” she said.

The World Sheepdog Trials are due to take place in Ireland for the first time in July with 240 qualifiers from over 20 countries. However, organisers fear the new restrictions will cause problems for some of the people travelling from abroad to Tullamore, Co Offaly.

“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,” committee member Michael Ryan said of Aer Lingus.

The Irish Kennel Club’s St Patrick’s Day Show, which is 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.