Heathrow strengthens airside care for animals

The Heathrow Animal Reception Centre (Harc) has introduced specialist training for Heathrow airport’s airside operations teams to improve safety and response capabilities for live animals on the airfield.

The programme prepares staff to manage situations involving domestic animals, exotic species, hazardous animals and large livestock. Training covers animal behaviour, zoonotic risks, safe handling procedures and methods to identify and contain unusual or dangerous species.

Each year Heathrow handles a large volume of live animal shipments, including horses, birds, reptiles, fish and companion animals. According to Harc, this diversity requires well-trained staff who can react quickly if incidents occur in operational areas.

Peter Dunphy., the chair of the City of London Corporation’s port health and environmental services committee said that “the course builds on decades of frontline experience, enabling airside teams to respond with skill and precision.”

www.cityoflondon.gov.uk