July 26, 2005


Larry Kellner
Chief Executive Officer
Continental Airlines
PO Box 4607
Houston, TX 72210-4607


Dear Mr Kellner,

It has recently come to our attention that there is an extensive amount of cockfighting that occurs on the Island of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands of Rota, Saipan and Tinian. Cockfighting is a brutal bloodsport that causes birds to suffer terribly. In the United States cockfighting is now illegal in all but two states, and in thirty-one states it is considered a felony. On May 14, 2003 a new federal law took effect to halt the underground cockfighting business still taking place. The statute increases the penalties for anyone shipping gamefowl across state lines for fighting purposes, or exporting them to countries where it is legal. 

We would like to inform you that Continental Airlines is currently enabling thousands of birds to be transported from the United States to Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands each year to be used for fighting. Regulations require that birds being shipped to these islands must not stop in any non-US territory during transport. Continental Airlines is currently the only carrier which offers such a flight option by going via Hawaii. 

Although Continental Airlines’ current policy states the airline will not ship animals for fighting purposes, this policy is not being enforced. Breeders of birds for cockfighting purposes frequently claim their fowl are raised for breeding purposes or bird shows, not for the bloody spectacle of cockfighting. This is a way they can circumvent the laws. We are asking Continental Airlines to take more rigorous steps in enforcing its policy to end their part in enabling the terrible and needless suffering of these birds! To achieve this goal the following recommendations must be put in place:

• Inspection of Birds
  
  We understand that birds presented in crates for shipping are not being inspected by Continental Airlines upon check-in. Inspecting all birds is a step you should take to identify those which are being shipped for the purpose of fighting. Some distinguishing features of fighting birds include trimmed combs, wattles and ear lobes, which prevents the birds head from being weighed down during a fight. Birds used for breeding and show purposes will not be trimmed in such a way. Therefore, birds being shipped with these features are a clear indication they will be used for fighting and should be rejected for shipping.
  
  

• Individual Stalls
  
  The shipping of birds in individual stalls is an indication that these birds have been bred for the purpose of fighting. As fighting birds are trained to be aggressive they will normally fight if shipped together in one crate. 
  
  

• Certificate of Animal Health Inspection
  
  Birds that are being shipped require a Certificate of Animal Health inspection from a veterinarian. Continental Airlines should require the health certificate to state that the bird is not going to be used for the purpose of fighting.
  
  

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Overview

Continental Airlines Aids Cockfighting Cruelty

Over 90% of the birds used for fighting in Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands are imported from the United States. Continental Airlines, by enforcing its policy on the shipping of fighting animals, has the ability to help put an end to the import of thousands of birds for the purpose of such a cruel and bloody sport. 

We hope to hear that Continental Airlines intends to implement these steps to stop the part it is playing in supporting this cruel industry. Please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have.

Sincerely,

Karen Steele
Program Coordinator
In Defense of Animals
415-388-9641, ext 217
karen@idausa.org