Dear Ms Simon,

As an airline our primary focus is the transportation and well-being of our passengers. Our cargo service is provided primarily in the belly compartment of our passenger aircraft and includes the transportation of animals.

We comply with all regulations and follow best industry practices to ensure the safety and comfort of the animals we transport. Our international tariffs do not allow us to refuse the carriage of animals for the sole reason that they could ultimately be destined to a laboratory or for research. In the past the Canadian Transportation Agency has ruled in favor of a shipper and against Air Canada when we have attempted to refuse live cargo on the sole basis that it was destined to a laboratory. However, we can and do refuse the transportation of animals in our cargo hold when the carriage of such animals results in a nuisance or discomfort to our customers onboard. In light of passenger complaints to that effect we have now advised the shipper of beagles on our Montreal Paris flights that we will discontinue with the transportation of his dogs.

Thank you for your interest in Air Canada.

Regards,

Manon Chabot
Air Canada
Media Relations