News
Proposed motion would banish pets from cabin

Aug. 24, 2011, St. John's, N.L. – Dogs, cats and other animals would be sent to
the cargo hold if a group representing Canadian doctors gets its
way.

The Canadian Medical Association has passed a motion, calling for
a ban on pets inside airline cabins.

It says our furry friends present a significant risk to
travellers with serious allergies.

Service animals, such as guide dogs for the blind, would be
exempt.

Some doctors at the group's annual meeting in St. John's,
Newfoundland, say it should be up to the airlines to decide.

But the group's president, Dr. Jeff Turnbull, says it's an issue
of the health of Canadians — and the association has a
responsibility to speak up.

Air Canada stopped allowing pets in passenger cabins in September
2006, but reversed its position in 2009 after facing an outcry from
pet owners.

Westjet allows small dogs, cats, birds or rabbits to travel in
its aircraft.