I recently reported on the potential dangers faced by animals traveling in airline cargo holds. Pets on planes: Animal deaths go unreported
To dig in on the issue yourself, here are some good sources of information:
- DOT Animal Incident Reports: Each month the U.S. Department of Transportation releases a report detailing a wide range of consumer performance data from airlines. Included in the report are details of deaths, injuries and losses involving “animals.” Be aware, as the AJC reported, that the federal definition of an “animal” isn’t all-inclusive the way most people think it is. The term has been limited by the transportation department to only cover pets that have lived in a family household – and excludes animals owned by businesses. Since most of the animals traveling are commercially owned -- headed to pet stores, laboratories, farming operations and other businesses -- be aware that many incidents aren’t required to be reported. Here’s where you get the reports: DOT Air Consumer Monthly Reports
- USDA Enforcement Actions: Regardless of whether an animal is owned by a family or a company it is covered by the federal Animal Welfare Act. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is responsible for enforcing the law. The agency posts some limited information on its web site that allows you to determine whether it has taken an enforcement action against an airline or other firm that handles animals. Start by going to USDA Enforcement Actions and in the drop-down box in the middle of the page titled “Current ALJ Decisions,” select “Consent Decisions.” The site will automatically redirect you to a list of recent consent decisions, a few involving airlines, that you can view online. Unfortunately, some of the more recent consent decisions do not detail the offense the consent order covers, leaving the reader to wonder what the wrongdoing was. If it’s not spelled out in the consent order, you’ll need to request a copy of the original complaint by contacting the hearing clerk’s office at OALJHearingClerks@USDA.GOV .
- USDA Inspection Reports: As a transporter of animals, airlines are subject to periodic inspection by the USDA. Inspection reports can be requested under the federal Freedom of Information Act. Be aware that it can take weeks, months or years (depending on the agency) to receive documents under the federal FOIA. Instructions for filing a FOIA request with USDA/APHIS are online at: USDA/APHIS How to submit a FOIA
- Inspector General Reports: The USDA’s Office of Inspector General issued a report on the agency’s enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act that may be of interest to those doing future investigations. It’s online at: OIG: Animal Welfare Act Enforcement
If you have other tools you think are useful for investigating this area, please share them in the comments section of this post.
If you are a member of Investigative Reporters and Editors (IRE) you can access a variety of tip sheets on investigating animal issues.
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