DOT AMENDS ANIMAL INCIDENT REPORTING RULE
Today, DOT published a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) in the Federal Register to amend its existing rule regarding the reporting of incidents involving animals during air transport pursuant to 14 CFR 234.13.
Specifically, the new rule proposes the following amendments: (1) to expand the reporting requirements to U.S. carriers that operate scheduled service with at least one aircraft with a design capacity of more than 60 seats; (2) to expand the definition of “animal” to include all cats and dogs transported by the carrier, regardless of whether the cat or dog is transported as a pet by its owner or as a part of a commercial shipment (i.e. shipped by a breeder); and (3) to require all covered carriers to provide in their December reports the total number of animals that were lost, injured, or died during air transport.
In addition, DOT is requesting comments on the requirement for carriers to report the total number of animals transported in the calendar year in the December reports.
Comments are due on or before August 28, 2012. If you have any questions regarding the proposed amendments or would like assistance preparing and submitting comments, please contact our office.