UAE adops IATA Live Animals Regulations (LAR)

The LAR represents the worldwide standard for safe and humane transport of live animals - whether it be a pet, an animal transported for zoological or agricultural purposes or for any other reason - by commercial airlines. Regulations specify minimum requirements for the international transport of animals and wildlife and indicate what precautions airlines, shippers, cargo agents and animal care professionals should take on the ground and in the air.

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) has adopted IATA's LAR as its official guidelines for animal transportation by air and the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has also endorsed the regulations.

The UAE now joins a list of 45 countries - including the European Union, Oman and the United States - that have officially recognised LAR and included them as part of their government legislation. It is hoped that more countries in the Middle East region will follow the UAE.

Carriage of live animals by air is considered the most humane and expedient method of transportation over long distances. IATA's Live Animals and Perishables Board, of which Emirates Airlines is a member and Animal Care Team ensure that both safety and animal welfare are addressed in all regulatory issues pertaining to transportation of live animals by air. IATA experts also assist the industry on issues that often go beyond the realm of conventional airline knowledge, such as defining whether it is best to use a sling or a waistcoat transport flamingoes or whether large primates can be allowed to move around in a container.