Japan airline's ban on bulldogs

By Chris Hogg
BBC News, Tokyo

Bulldogs are vulnerable to heat on the airstrip

A Japanese airline has banned bulldogs from all its flights after a number of them died while in transit.

The airline JAL says the breed is particularly vulnerable to high temperatures, and will not be allowed on domestic or international flights.

It is the first time the airline has banned a particular breed.

JAL has decided not to risk any more deaths, and to impose the ban during the summer months, ahead of the country's busiest time for air travel.

Bulldogs' problem is that when temperatures soar they get very hot under the collar. In fact, in some cases it proves fatal. Apparently their flat noses are to blame.

Up until now the dogs have travelled in special baskets in the cargo holds, where the temperature and humidity are controlled.

But they often have to wait in the sunshine on the tarmac, or in cargo rooms which are not air-conditioned, while other baggage is loaded or unloaded.

Other breeds can cope with the sweltering temperatures. The airline says bulldogs cannot.

Pet lovers

Another Japanese airline, ANA, has already banned bulldogs from its international flights.

But JAL is going further - it will not allow them even on short hops between the country's major towns and cities.

That will be a blow to Japanese pet owners.

This is a country, after all, where people have been known to book their pets into hotels, take baths with them in hot springs, dress them up or even print them their own business cards.

Around 60,000 pets flew JAL domestic routes last year.

Now many of their owners will be forced to decide whether they can bear to be parted from their companions. Or they can, of course, just take the train.