Dubai, Aug. 16th, 2006 (WAM)--The UAE is the latest country/first country in the Gulf/Middle East to adopt the International Air Transport Association's (IATA's) regulations for the transport of live animals to and from the Emirate, IATA has announced.
The IATA Live Animals Regulations (LAR) are the worldwide standard for transporting live animals by commercial airlines.
Whether it be a pet, an animal transported for zoological or agricultural purposes or for any other reason, the objective of the IATA Live Animals Regulations is to ensure all animals are transported safely and humanely by air. The UAE now joins a list of 45 countries which have officially recognized LAR and included them as part of their government legislations. The IATA Live Animals Regulations demonstrates how to transport animals safely so they arrive in good health. It specifies the minimum requirements for the international transport of animals and wildlife, and indicates what precautions airlines, shippers, cargo agents and animal care professionalsshould take on the ground and in the air.Already enforced by the European Union and many other countries for the import and export of live animals, the LAR generally exceeds the intent of the US Animal Welfare Act (AWA).
It is hoped that more countries in the Middle East region will follow the UAE. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) has adopted these regulations as their official guidelines for animal transportation and the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has recommended these regulations for the air transport of live animals."Animals have been transported by air since the early 1930's," explained IATA's Live Animal and Perishable Board member, Aynur Rasulova-Rzepa.
"In today's modern world, carriage of live animals by air is considered the most humane and expedient method of transportation over long distances. IATA's animal care team ensures that both safety and animal welfare are addressed in all regulatory issues pertaining to transportation of liveanimals by air. "We are delighted that the UAE government has now adopted these standards as part of their own legislation which will result in any violation being subject to investigation and possible legal penalties. IATA's animal care scientific experts also assist the industry on issues that often go beyond the realm of conventional airline knowledge. This implies, for instance, defining whether it is best to use a sling or a waistcoat transport flamingoes, whether large primates can be allowed to move around in a container... Anyone wishing to make transportation arrangements for dogs and cats with an airline get more information form the IATA website. Other requirements for exotic pets and birds is also listed.
