Are Dolphins merely cargo?

According to an internal memo leaked to the Chinese media Hong Kong Airlines recently flew five dolphins from Japan to Vietnam in their cargo hold.

Animal welfare groups said the dolphins were in packed into what amounted to ‘flying coffins’ for up to seven hours in transit from Osaka to Hanoi. But overwhelming pressure from customers and animal welfare groups has made the airline stop what it had seen as a lucrative business opportunity.

In a recent statement HKA said it had carried the dolphins in compliance with government rules and International Air Transport Association live animal regulations. However, after consulting with welfare groups, HKA said it had been persuaded that providing transportation for this type of cargo could result in the endangerment of wildlife.