Thomas Cook Airlines has been found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to a dog. Buster, an English Bulldog, was found dead in a transport container on a flight from Cyprus. He belonged to a member of the armed forces who was returning from duty.
During the trial at Mid Sussex Magistrates' Court in Hayward Heath, the court heard that when under stress, 'snub-nosed' breeds such as English Bulldogs can be prone to breathing problems. Buster's container was too small, and the court was told that this caused stress and unnecessary suffering during the flight. Additionally, Buster was subjected to unauthorised personnel moving his container around at Larnaca airport before the flight so that they could take photographs of him, and this was permitted even though it went against Thomas Cook's cargo manual. It was agreed that this may have added to Buster's stress.
Despite denials, Thomas Cook Airlines was found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering, using a transport container that was not of the correct size and two counts regarding the incorrect labelling of the transport container.
Thomas Cook Airlines was fined £6500 and ordered to pay £12000 costs to the West Sussex County Council Trading Standards Service. The company has apologised to the owner of the dog.
Dogsey Veteran
|
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,887
|
Dogsey Veteran
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 4,386
|
Dogsey Veteran
|
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,084
|
Dogsey Veteran
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 4,386
|
Dogsey Veteran
|
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,810
|
|
Thread Tools |
|
Dog News Homepage
Latest and popular news, by week, month, year and all-time!
Dog News Forum
Shows dog related news by latest activity
Submit A News Story
Info on how to submit a news story