This was my friend's beloved dog, Riley. He was to turn 8 in April, he was a rescued dog and came to her with a fractured leg and a shaved head. With love and lots of care he grew into a big boy, tall, the look of a lion and the sweetest nature one could think of or wish for. Recently he starred in a Blue Cross advert campaigning against animal cruelty.

On 18th of March Riley died because of the stress he endured whilst travelling on a BA flight. Well and fit to travel, she left him in the care of one of BA’s recommended pet transportation service, Airpets Limited. Hours after he was returned to her he died.

Airpets Limited, loaded him into a minute crate, built for a dog half his size and left him there for 15 hours. He could not turn around or lie down to rest. He could barely move. We doubt he could even reach his water, placed at the back of the crate. He was given no food. He was deeply distressed when she picked him up. Upon collection, after being violently sick, she rushed him to the vet where they told her that he suffered heatstroke, his whole body was dehydrated and his stomach had flipped multiple times due to the stress he had endured. They desperately tried to save him, but he died hours later.

There are standard regulations for flying a pet that are intended to ensure that they are comfortable and experience as little disorientation as possible.

BA currently endorse Airpets Limited as a leading pet transportation provider. Although BA have launched an investigation into Riley’s death they have not commented on their relationship with Airpets Limited.

I have started this petition to urge both Airpets Limited and British Airways to take further action. I am calling on Airpets Limited to launch a full investigation into their current standard of care and British Airways to urgently review their relationship with Airpets Limited.

These organisations claim that they will offer the highest standard of care to the pets they transport. Riley did not receive this care. He died because they abused and mistreated him.

British Airways and Airpets Limited must ensure that in future they respect the welfare of the animals they are entrusted with. Please sign this petition. Let's make sure no more animals suffer the way that our Riley did.