Animal Group Calls For American Airlines Investigation After Death Of Puppies

NewsOn6.com  

TULSA, OK -- Animal advocates are calling for an investigation into American Airlines, after seven puppies died after a flight from Tulsa to Chicago.

The legal director of the Animal Legal Defense Fund is urging the Federal Aviation Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to investigate the deaths.

American says it's already launched its own probe into the incident.  The deaths may have been heat-related.  Travel experts say some breeds should never fly as cargo.

"More than half of the 122 dogs that have died in the last five years according to the Department of Transportation were short-faced or pug-nosed dogs, like an English Bulldog or a pug.   Don't ever travel with those in the cargo hold," Peter Greenberg said.

Greenberg says some airlines won't fly pets during the summer, while others never allow pets on board.

8/4/2010 Related Story: Airline Investigates Deaths Of Puppies After Flight From Tulsa To Chicago