US airlines need more bomb-sniffing dogs in a hurry

The TSA has begun approving private explosive-detection canine firms to screen cargo flying from US airports under a new program finalised last month. The change offers freight haulers a new option to inspect all of their cargo—something they need to accomplish within the next few years. Bomb-detection canines have become standard for cargo companies in many parts of Europe and Asia. America, however, is just starting to catch up, said Steve Alterman, president of the Cargo Airline Association. A lot of that freight flying overhead right now hasn’t been screened at all. US air cargo screening rules date to 2010, when Congress mandated that each item carried aboard passenger aircraft be inspected, following recommendations from the 9/11 Commission. Passenger airlines also ship cargo in their aircraft bellies, jamming commercial freight beside your suitcase. In a major change aimed at tightening security, however, the ICAO is requiring that all cargo be screened, removing the distinction between passenger and cargo air operations. That’s a lot of freight, and screening must be in place by July 1, 2021. With that looming deadline, rising cargo loads and the prohibitive expense of buying a lot more detection equipment, Congress decided that more dogs may be the way to go. The TSA trains a limited number of bomb-sniffing dogs each year, and they’re solely for the government’s use. Airlines may also expand their use of dogs to screen cargo, though the TSA handles passenger luggage directly. <br/>