Had Refused To Load A Distressed Dog Into An Airplane Cargo Hold

A woman fired from her job as a baggage handler with Airport Terminal Services (ATS) in Reno, NV, has been offered her job back after the story hit the news media.

Lynn Jones was working the ramp at Reno-Tahoe International Airport a month ago when she came across a dog in a pet carrier that was to be loaded onto a plane headed for Texas. The Associated Press reports that the animal was thin, was covered with sores, and looked listless and "sad." Lynn did what she thought was best for the animal, and refused to put it on the plane. She said she thought the animal would die during the flight.

She was terminated by ATS, and was jobless for about a month.

In a news release Tuesday, ATS said it "sincerely regrets the events that took place at Reno-Tahoe International Airport ... involving our employees and the reporting of suspected animal abuse.

"We applaud Ms. Lynn Jones' courage to report the unfavorable condition of the animal she encountered, and we encourage others to be as vigilant as she was. 

"Further, we have connected with Ms. Jones ... to extend her an offer to be fully reinstated to her position with back pay.  We will continue to work diligently to resolve this matter. We are hopeful that this valued ATS team member will rejoin us.

"ATS will use this experience as a valuable reminder for all of our employees nationwide, and we intend to move forward with a renewed commitment to recognize and report animal abuse in any form.

"Additionally, in light of this regrettable incident, ATS will be making a  three-year financial contribution to the Nevada Humane Society in an effort to strengthen awareness regarding the mistreatment of animals.

FMI: www.atsstl.com