Vietnam Airlines stops transporting research monkeys

   Vietnam Airlines will stop transporting monkeys destined for research, starting May 1.
   The British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection said the carrier is one of the last passenger airlines that transports animals for research purposes.
   A spokesman from the carrier said while transporting monkeys for such a purpose doesn’t violate any regulations, officials have decided to halt the practice. According to BUAV, the carrier will officially announce the policy change next week.
   “We welcome this announcement by Vietnam Airlines,” BUAV’s Sarah Kite said in a statement. “The airline joins an increasing number of airlines that have taken a stance and now refuse to transport primates for the research industry. This is an issue of strong public concern and we urge those remaining airlines, such as Air France, to reconsider their role in this cruel trade.” – Jon Ross