KUALA LUMPUR: Airlines will be made responsible to deport any unathorised imports of live animals into India, says India’s Directorate-General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

This latest announcement came following a spate of cases where animals were found to have been smuggled into India via air, especially from Malaysia and Thailand.

“While the carriage of animals/birds by air is being governed under the Aeronautical Infor­mation Circular (AIC) 9 of 1985, this circular is issued to further guide and ensure compliance with the latest applicable instructions/orders issued by Indian Customs, the Animal Quarantine and Certification Service (AQCS) and other concerns authorities,” DGCA said in a statement.

“All costs associated with deportation including animal handling, in-transit welfare, documentation and repatriation logistics shall be borne by the airline.

“Prior to deportation, the airline must obtain valid instructions/orders from Indian Customs, AQCS, and all other concerned authorities.

“The airline must ensure that all required documentation covering animal identification, welfare compliance, health/veterinary clearance and International Air Transport Association Live Animal Regulations are completed in coordination with relevant authorities,” it added.

Furthermore, a report on the deportation operation, including timeline, logistical details and compliance measures, must be submitted by the airline to DGCA within seven working days of completion of the deportation, with a copy to the Airport Director, Indian Customs, AQCS and all concerned authorities, said DGCA.

As far as prevention measures are concerned, DGCA said airlines must implement preventive mechanisms to detect and deter the “unauthorised carriage of live animals by passengers into India”.

It said staff at check-in counters, boarding gates and in-flight operations must be properly trained and made aware of customs, quarantine and other regulations governing live animal transport.