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IATA animal transfer regulations adopted

According to IATA's Communications Office, the UAE is the second country in the Middle East to adopt these regulations for the transport of live animals to and from the Emirates.

LAR represents the worldwide standard for safe and humane transportation of live animals by commercial airlines, whether it is a pet, a wild animal intended for a zoo or livestock. The regulations specify not only the minimum requirements for the international transport of animals and wildlife, but they also indicate what precautions must be taken by airlines, shippers, cargo agents and animal care professionals on the ground and in the air. "There are quite a few benefits for UAE in adopting IATA's Live Animal Regulations", said David Baker, managing director of IATA Dubai.

Asked about what benefits the adoption of these regulations bring to UAE, Baker told Khaleej Times that it would ensure the welfare and safety of animals which are being transported by air. It will also make these transportation procedures compliant with international or local regulations. By adopting LAR, the UAE government will have access to a comprehensive source of information about containers used for most animal species. He also mentioned financial benefits: "it will save shippers time and money by guaranteeing that they are free of troubles and delays."

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora and the World Organisation for Animal Health are among the organisations who endorsed IATA's official guidelines for animal transportation by air.

The UAE has, in fact, joined a list of 45 countries — including the European Union, the United States and Oman — that have officially recognised LAR and included them as part of their government legislation.

Carriage of live animals by air is considered the most humane and expedient method of transportation over long distances. Emirates airlines is a member of IATA's Live Animals and Perishables Board. Apart from standard regulations, IATA experts also assist the industry on issues that often go beyond the realm of conventional airline knowledge, such as what is the best way of transporting flamingoes or whether large primates can be allowed to move around in a container.

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