David L Owy
map-marker Richmond, Virginia

Animal abuse by ATS

Recently in the news a baggage handler was fired for refusing to load a abused animal on a flight and was fired for doing so. This matter went viral. Read the following for more info: http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/headlines/2011/12/fired-baggage-handler-offered-job-back/#comment-361****. The following is a letter from the company, ATS and my response:

December 12, 2011

From the desk of Sally Leible

President, Airport Terminal Services

Dear concerned community member:

On behalf of Airport Terminal Services, we sincerely regret the event that took place at the Reno-Tahoe International Airport last month involving our employees and the reporting of sus­pect animal abuse. We appreciate and understand the concern many citizens have expressed over this incident. Be assured our company has learned from this experience and know that we have redoubled our commitment to training all employees to be cognizant of and to report ani­mal abuse in any form.

As I have said over the last few days, this has been a teachable moment for our company and for the community at large. No doubt this experience will serve as a valuable reminder for all of us to remain vigilant as it relates to the mistreatment of animals. Moreover, we are pleased that Ms. Lynn Jones has accepted our offer to return to her position as a baggage handler at the Reno-Tahoe International Airport. I personally applaud the courage she demonstrated by report­ing the condition of the animal she encountered. We consider her a dedicated ATS employee, and indeed value the role she plays on our team.

As you may know, ATS will be making a three-year financial contribution to the Nevada Hu­mane Society in an effort to heighten awareness regarding animal abuse. We also look forward to maintaining other long-term relationships with similar organizations dedicated to the protec­tion of animals.

In conclusion, we share your concern regarding the condition and well being of the dog. We will take every responsible step to prevent a situation like this from occurring again.

This is my response:

Mrs Leible, you should be ashamed with the way Mrs. Jones was treated in this matter. If this had not gone to the press Mrs. Jones would still be fired and the animal would have died. You know it and I know it. Don't think for a moment this "form letter" is meant to be the least part sincere in any way. I will NEVER use any of your services in the future and I hope a boycott is initiated by animal rights groups against your company. This letters attempt as some sort of apology is disgusting Mrs. Leible. The supervisor in question should be made to view hundreds of pictures of abused animals and write a 1000 word essay on animal abuse as part of his "retraining". I am going to post your pitiful letter and this letter as response to as many discussion groups as I can to get the word out about the horrible way this entire matter unfolded!!!

David Lynn

"Concerned Community Member"

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2 comments
David L Owy

So I guess the "covered with sores" as stated in many articles on-line was a lie? I called my vet and asked if any animal should be put on a plane if they exibit symptoms of exhaustion and was told a definate NO. Also, I called Delta airlines and asked if they use ATS and was told they DO NOT so I guess I do have a choice after all.

Guest

David,

You should check the facts before you go on a rant. While I'm not condoning the Actions of ATS, you should at least get the facts straight.

First, the dog had not been abused.

It was checked by two separate vets who confirmed that, while the dog was exhausted and had suffered cuts to it's paws from a three day hunt, it recovered quickly after some food, water and rest and was never in danger of dying. Second, you won't have any choice regarding whether or not you use the services of ATS as they are hired by the airline and the vast majority of passengers have no idea what companies service the airlines they fly.

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