Animal Transportation Conference Focuses on Regulations
The Animal Transportation Association, a non-profit organisation, was founded in 1976 and provides an independent forum for the safe and humane handling of all animal species during multi-modal transport. An annual conference was held April 22nd -25th 2007 in San Diego, California. More than 100 members and visitors from 16 countries attended. The main thrust of this meeting was the impact of new regulations, fighting the spread of diseases and dealing with animal extremists. Within this theme, delegates discussed a wide range of subjects from the rescue of abandoned and starving zoo animals from war torn Iraq, identifying safer and more humane methods of moving horses by road, to emergency recovery of injured seals.
Alex Thierman, outgoing president and air cargo veteran welcomed participants at the conference. Many aspects of the complexities of international rules were covered by experts from World Animal Health Organization, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and the European Union (EU). This was in tandem with advice and information about the threats from extremists, planning for disasters and risk management. Transportation techniques, new equipment designs and diseases control were also essential topics at the conference. Several training workshops were eagerly attended on subjects ranging from reduction of travel stress in animals to transporting endangered species and sites.
Newly voted President of AATA, Lisa Schoppa of Continental Airlines, summed up the mood and the whole thrust of the association in these words:
“ We all love our animals and that’s why these meetings are so important. By pooling our knowledge and sharing experiences, we can improve the way animals are moved, whether up the road to a horse race or halfway around the world to preserve an endangered species, we will strive to find better and more humane ways of doing the job. We also believe in the welfare of all animals and their right to safe, secure and stress free travel. If you are involved in the business of transporting animals or fish, I urge you to come and join the AATA, where you can really make a difference.”
Michael Sales