Warning
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Warning
To anyone who is considering using British Midland Airlines, under the Pet Travel Scheme.
I used them to fly my dog from Madrid to Heathrow. They neglected my dog so much that she needed lifesaving treatment. When I went to collect her, they didn't know where she was, it took them over 5 hours to find her and release her to me. Not only had they lost her and neglected her they had taken her clean blankets out of her carrier and replaced them with soaking wet newspapers. BMI and are not interested as to what went wrong, they are trying to cover it over, it appears thay are more interested in making a profit. I also contacted DEFRA but they are not interested!!!
PLEASE think carefully before using BMI. I do not want someone elses much loved pet to suffer.
I used them to fly my dog from Madrid to Heathrow. They neglected my dog so much that she needed lifesaving treatment. When I went to collect her, they didn't know where she was, it took them over 5 hours to find her and release her to me. Not only had they lost her and neglected her they had taken her clean blankets out of her carrier and replaced them with soaking wet newspapers. BMI and are not interested as to what went wrong, they are trying to cover it over, it appears thay are more interested in making a profit. I also contacted DEFRA but they are not interested!!!
PLEASE think carefully before using BMI. I do not want someone elses much loved pet to suffer.
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I hear what you are saying, tried reporting it to the RSPCA? They'll certainly be interested. LHR also has a good animal centre for travelling pets, speak to them for further advice, its certainly not good enough if what you say is true, and someone has to be held responsible for their neglect.
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Chalky
Where else would you suggest posting it? Maybe SLF?
Some of us consider our pets to be part of the family (rightly or wrongly). Either way they are living beings. Remember the live export protests - they were animals destined for slaughter?
Personally can't see why my dog, who is as well or better behaved than a lot of SLF has to travel as cargo.
Would you be happy to know that your pet or child, (see above/treat my dog as my child) had been treated so dreadfully?
And I know of several pro pilots who DO take their pet to work, albeit not actually in the a/c.
PW
Where else would you suggest posting it? Maybe SLF?
Some of us consider our pets to be part of the family (rightly or wrongly). Either way they are living beings. Remember the live export protests - they were animals destined for slaughter?
Personally can't see why my dog, who is as well or better behaved than a lot of SLF has to travel as cargo.
Would you be happy to know that your pet or child, (see above/treat my dog as my child) had been treated so dreadfully?
And I know of several pro pilots who DO take their pet to work, albeit not actually in the a/c.
PW
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What's the problem Chalky?
Surely the idea of PPRUNE, and the internet as a whole, is to provide information?
Is there any point in being so pedantic?
I think you'll find that numerous aircrew (myself inc) have often transported new(& old) pets over the airways. So information such as zellys' is always appreciated. Whether it's posted in the correct forum or not.
zelly, thanks for your info. I hope your dog has recovered from its ordeal.
Surely the idea of PPRUNE, and the internet as a whole, is to provide information?
Is there any point in being so pedantic?
I think you'll find that numerous aircrew (myself inc) have often transported new(& old) pets over the airways. So information such as zellys' is always appreciated. Whether it's posted in the correct forum or not.
zelly, thanks for your info. I hope your dog has recovered from its ordeal.
Last edited by capt hangover; 6th Mar 2004 at 01:37.
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Bravo and well said Capt.Hangover and Pilotwolf. This poor person has had a pretty bad time of things and wants redress. She/he has questions about the transport of animals that need answering. Chalky I take it by your answer you have no information to offer. If you can think of another forum that will proffer accurate advice to Zelly, do feel free to suggest it.
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Thank you all for your replies and interest in my posting. I want as many people to know about this incident and the fact that no one cares. The Animal Reception Centre an Heathrow did not appear to do their job very efficiently. They compiled a report (after a lot of pressure and 6 months later) in which they admitted that the plane landed at 14.30 but my dog was not available for me to collect until 19.30. This was on one of the hottest days of the year. NO ONE knows what happened or where she was for the 5 hours.
Capt Hangover, thank you for your kind enquiry. My little dog never fully recovered and very sadly died shortly afterwards.
Capt Hangover, thank you for your kind enquiry. My little dog never fully recovered and very sadly died shortly afterwards.
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zelly
What a sad story, I'm so sorry to hear about your predicament & the loss of your beloved pet. I'm an animal lover & owner myself & know how hard it is to lose a pet in normal circumstances, in circumstances like this due to the neligence of other people & I've no doubt its much harder to come to terms with.
BMI's response though has surprised me. I had reason to complain to them for a much more minor, totally non comparative issue than yours, it was dealt with sympathetically & I was adequately compensated for it. I did notice & commented to them also that one of their FA's was inadequately trained, maybe this inadequency in training extends to other parts of their operations as well. BMI did not inform me adequately how they had handled this situation however.
I wouldn't take that attitude from BMI luv, I'd hound them, stick up for your rights, go to anyone, be they the RSPCA, other animal rights groups, politicians, anyone who you feel might be able to help you with this matter if BMI still continues to ignore you.
They'll never be able to compensate you fully for what you've been through but hopefully some justice can come out of this, at the very least to prevent it ever happening again.
Coco
What a sad story, I'm so sorry to hear about your predicament & the loss of your beloved pet. I'm an animal lover & owner myself & know how hard it is to lose a pet in normal circumstances, in circumstances like this due to the neligence of other people & I've no doubt its much harder to come to terms with.
BMI's response though has surprised me. I had reason to complain to them for a much more minor, totally non comparative issue than yours, it was dealt with sympathetically & I was adequately compensated for it. I did notice & commented to them also that one of their FA's was inadequately trained, maybe this inadequency in training extends to other parts of their operations as well. BMI did not inform me adequately how they had handled this situation however.
I wouldn't take that attitude from BMI luv, I'd hound them, stick up for your rights, go to anyone, be they the RSPCA, other animal rights groups, politicians, anyone who you feel might be able to help you with this matter if BMI still continues to ignore you.
They'll never be able to compensate you fully for what you've been through but hopefully some justice can come out of this, at the very least to prevent it ever happening again.
Coco
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Chalky,
I posted this message to make people aware of what happened to my dog, just incase they were thinking of using BMI to fly their dog.
I am sorry if you do not find it relevant on a pilots forum.
I posted this message to make people aware of what happened to my dog, just incase they were thinking of using BMI to fly their dog.
I am sorry if you do not find it relevant on a pilots forum.
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What a sad and nasty thing to happen, I'm sorry to hear that zelly.
I recently repatriated my two dogs from Spain and used GB airways SVQ to LGW. The organisation was professional and excellent from the moment I contacted them. My dogs were very well treated by all concerned and I'm happy to say arrived at the appointed time in fine spirits.
I recently repatriated my two dogs from Spain and used GB airways SVQ to LGW. The organisation was professional and excellent from the moment I contacted them. My dogs were very well treated by all concerned and I'm happy to say arrived at the appointed time in fine spirits.
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A sad story indeed, zelly. I am sorry for what happened to your pet friend and hope all involved have learnt from it.
Interestingly, my own pet travelled from Belgium to the Republic of Ireland recently via LHR, also with BMI. I must say that everything was handled very professionally and, although the journey was long, whe arrived at destination in very good shape.
Maybe it has something to do with the shipping agent (?).
All the best,
L
Interestingly, my own pet travelled from Belgium to the Republic of Ireland recently via LHR, also with BMI. I must say that everything was handled very professionally and, although the journey was long, whe arrived at destination in very good shape.
Maybe it has something to do with the shipping agent (?).
All the best,
L
Paxing All Over The World
Zelly, a grim story and PPRuNe is the right place, and this forum is now probably the right one. Don't stop writing to BMI. Write to the chairman's office and let them know that you have broadcast the information in the internet. If they don't reply, send the letter Recorded or Special Delivery to get a signature.
Go to BBC Watchdog (no pun intended) and let them know. Send them copies of the letters and exact details of the date, times of the problem and the sequence of letters/calls in the ensuing months.
The Watchdog pages states: "Do you have a consumer complaint that you would like Watchdog to investigate, or do you have a comment about the programme? If so, choose a subject below, then fill out the form leaving details of your story." Your concern would probably fall under 'Transport' as there is not one for pets.
I was departing LHR on 8th August last year, two days before the 100F mark was reached. The a/c was delayed by a technical fault and the ground air handling unit could not keep up. We sat with sweat rolling down our faces for 40 minutes. For an animal that was alone and without special care - it must have been ghastly.
Do let us know what happens.
Go to BBC Watchdog (no pun intended) and let them know. Send them copies of the letters and exact details of the date, times of the problem and the sequence of letters/calls in the ensuing months.
The Watchdog pages states: "Do you have a consumer complaint that you would like Watchdog to investigate, or do you have a comment about the programme? If so, choose a subject below, then fill out the form leaving details of your story." Your concern would probably fall under 'Transport' as there is not one for pets.
I was departing LHR on 8th August last year, two days before the 100F mark was reached. The a/c was delayed by a technical fault and the ground air handling unit could not keep up. We sat with sweat rolling down our faces for 40 minutes. For an animal that was alone and without special care - it must have been ghastly.
Do let us know what happens.
Last edited by PAXboy; 1st Mar 2004 at 22:19.
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Question
I asked the following question and posted it under QUESTIONS (apparently it was the wrong place to post it)??? so I am re-posting it here
BMI flew my dog into Heathrow. BMI/Animal reception centre lost her for 5 hours . The ARC admit to having my dog for 3.5 hrs which they admit to being unusual, but do not know where she was for 1.5hrs. Does anyone know what happens to a dog after a plane has landed ???
Thank you
BMI flew my dog into Heathrow. BMI/Animal reception centre lost her for 5 hours . The ARC admit to having my dog for 3.5 hrs which they admit to being unusual, but do not know where she was for 1.5hrs. Does anyone know what happens to a dog after a plane has landed ???
Thank you
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zelly,
I think, after several hints, this is the correct forum!
In my expeience it seems to depend on the airport/cargo/handling agent.
Personally, I have observed pets being handed to the pax at either the bottom of the steps or taken (seperately) into arrivals for collection.
Alternatively, if the said item belongs to a crew member they will hastily vacate the a/c prior to the pax to collect their valuable cargo.
These are my offerings. I have never had the pleasure of dealing with the ARC so I hope you find an answer..... On this forum!
Good luck and get some answers.
CH
I think, after several hints, this is the correct forum!
In my expeience it seems to depend on the airport/cargo/handling agent.
Personally, I have observed pets being handed to the pax at either the bottom of the steps or taken (seperately) into arrivals for collection.
Alternatively, if the said item belongs to a crew member they will hastily vacate the a/c prior to the pax to collect their valuable cargo.
These are my offerings. I have never had the pleasure of dealing with the ARC so I hope you find an answer..... On this forum!
Good luck and get some answers.
CH
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zelly - I'm very sorry to hear about your pet and hope thatall carriers who accept pets/livestock take note of your story!!! .........British Midland are, sadly, not alone and in their defence, they are only as good as their handling agents!!!
(Regrettably, Spain, South America, Italy and Greece have a really bad record as far as animal welfare is concerned and no amount of education and training investment in airline staff seems to have much effect!!! Indeed, Continental Airlines had so much trouble from South American countries and Madrid that they no longer accept animals in the hold!)
The people. besides BBC's Watchdog, who would definitely be interested are (a) the RSPCA and (b) the Trading Standards Department of the Local Authority of the receiving airport in the UK. Without "evidence", they are unlikely to bring a case against the airline, but would certainly keep their animal movements on "watch" for a while.
Whilst on the subject of animal movements, any Ppruner who is reading and is contemplating sending a pet by air, PLEASE DO NOT GIVE TRANQUILIZERS to your pet prior to travel. In the event the animal does experience breathing difficulties whilst airborne, being full conscious will enable the animal to fight for survival with full strength. A tranquillized pet will just lay comatose and allow death to overcome it!
You should avoid allowing Dog breeds with "squashed" noses (ie Boxers, Bulldogs, Pugs, Pekinese etc) to travel by air as they do experience breathing difficulty at altitude and do not have a high chance of survival!
(Regrettably, Spain, South America, Italy and Greece have a really bad record as far as animal welfare is concerned and no amount of education and training investment in airline staff seems to have much effect!!! Indeed, Continental Airlines had so much trouble from South American countries and Madrid that they no longer accept animals in the hold!)
The people. besides BBC's Watchdog, who would definitely be interested are (a) the RSPCA and (b) the Trading Standards Department of the Local Authority of the receiving airport in the UK. Without "evidence", they are unlikely to bring a case against the airline, but would certainly keep their animal movements on "watch" for a while.
Whilst on the subject of animal movements, any Ppruner who is reading and is contemplating sending a pet by air, PLEASE DO NOT GIVE TRANQUILIZERS to your pet prior to travel. In the event the animal does experience breathing difficulties whilst airborne, being full conscious will enable the animal to fight for survival with full strength. A tranquillized pet will just lay comatose and allow death to overcome it!
You should avoid allowing Dog breeds with "squashed" noses (ie Boxers, Bulldogs, Pugs, Pekinese etc) to travel by air as they do experience breathing difficulty at altitude and do not have a high chance of survival!
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Zelly, sorry to hear of your sad loss. If my beloved Golden Retriever had been treated that way, I'm afraid the likelihood is that I would be looking at the world out of a prison cell.
There is NO conceivable excuse for what happened. A strong letter to the Managing Director, stating all the facts, envelope marked 'Private and Confidential', might at least spark some action. Especially if you copy it to the Sun, Mirror, Star, Trading Standards, the CAA and the RSPCA - and indicate in the letter to the MD to whom those copies have been sent.
Fight the bast***s to the end. Keep us posted as to your progress. I for one will NEVER fly with that airline...
There is NO conceivable excuse for what happened. A strong letter to the Managing Director, stating all the facts, envelope marked 'Private and Confidential', might at least spark some action. Especially if you copy it to the Sun, Mirror, Star, Trading Standards, the CAA and the RSPCA - and indicate in the letter to the MD to whom those copies have been sent.
Fight the bast***s to the end. Keep us posted as to your progress. I for one will NEVER fly with that airline...
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Zelly, very sorry to hear about your loss. My Golden flew from London to Toronto, Canada on BA093 in 1989. He was reunited with us no more than 30 minutes after the aircraft landed none the worse for wear. Only problem we had was that he was a little dehydrated and wouldnt eat until he had hydrated.
I would never let this rest until you have satisfactory answers and suitable compensation. What the handlers did was nothing short of criminal.
Did you replace your dog?
I would never let this rest until you have satisfactory answers and suitable compensation. What the handlers did was nothing short of criminal.
Did you replace your dog?
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It surprises me these days that any airlines actually carry pets. Afterall they are just a load of needless hassle. Perhaps it is time for all airlines to review their policies in the light of cases such as this and refuse transport to domestic animals. All pet owners should look at the bright side - a 7 days cruise across the pond should provide a good break.
