Noah Asher Pavin

There is no question a this rule should become final. It performs a service to both the state and the citizenry of the united states, without imposing undue expenses upon an already troubled airline industry. Furthermore, thief rule stands as a minor step in the advancement of animal rights within our society, a group largely under-represented within the United States. The state at large, and the Department of Transportation specifically, both benefit from an increase in available information. It was stated within the text of the proposed rule that the large majority of incidents regarding animals take place when the animal is being transported as commercial entity and not a family pet. By making carriers report on animals being shipped commercially, the quantity and accuracy of the collected data would be much greater. The public would benefit from this rule in two ways. First, they would have a greater understanding of animal treatment by airlines, which would improve consumer safety and satisfaction. Secondly, the transparency afforded by the bill may help highlight abusive or unjust practices by reporting carriers. Companies with incident rates well above the industry average may be the target of investigation or heavier regulation, thereby improving safety and satisfaction. Regarding which animals should be reported on, the rule should encompass all animals transported via the air. This would not only give the DOT access to the most exhaustive data available on the subject, but would create checks ensuring the airline industry maintains just business practices.