Animal safety is a priority at IAG Cargo. Our affection for animals runs deep, and we make every effort to transport endangered and at-risk animals away from harm as often as possible.
Following a dramatic rescue operation by animal rights organisation Human Society International (HSI) last December, IAG Cargo partnered with the charity to transport 13 dogs to the UK, all of whom faced cruelty at a canine meat farm in Asia.
HSI was able to recover 170 dogs from the farm, where a mix of golden retrievers, greyhounds, spaniels, mastiffs and beagles were being kept captive.
The Only Way is Essex’s Pete Wicks joined the rescue team, describing the intervention as one of the most emotional experiences of his life. “Some of the dogs I met were terrified,” he said, “and you can’t blame them because they’ve seen the cruel side of humanity, but I couldn’t believe how friendly most of them were despite everything they’ve been through.
In January 2018, IAG Cargo transported the 13 UK-bound dogs to London, where they were rehoused at HSI’s partner shelter, All Dogs Matter. The rest of the dogs were flown to the US and Canada where they will be found homes.
With more than 60 years’ experience in transporting live animals, IAG Cargo has a last on, first off aircraft ethos for animal transit, with a dedicated team of trained staff and animal handlers to ensure adequate care and attention.