Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of current regulations and airline policies relating to the air transportation of brachycephalic dog breeds; and if she will take steps to improve the safety and welfare of such animals during air travel.

Current pet travel arrangements preserve the UK’s high standards of biosecurity and animal welfare.

Operational arrangements at airports in Great Britain mean that most pets must travel in the hold to ensure that the necessary import checks are carried out. The only animals that are authorised to travel in the cabin of a commercial aircraft into Great Britain are Recognised Assistance Dogs.

Where animals are transported in the hold, there are rigorous requirements in place to make sure that their welfare needs are met during transport. Carriers must make sure that air quality and quantity, temperature and pressure is maintained whilst the animals are onboard. The length of journey determines how much food and water must also be provided. Stringent requirements are also in place for pet transport containers under the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Live Animals Regulations (LAR), with space and ventilation concerns paramount.