Jet chairman's wife fined Rs 36k for flying with pet dog

, June 13: Anita Goyal, wife of

chairman Naresh Goyal, was detained at the airport here on for carrying her pet dog, a Maltese breed, on a Jet Airways flight from London. The incident occurred in the morning of June 8.

Anita was stopped by the customs officials for carrying the pet after the flight landed. She was made to pay upto Rs 36,200 as fine, duty and penalty for violating customs rules and only then could take her pet home.

As per the rules, a pet can not be carried in a plane's cabin unless it is accompanying a disabled passenger or is being flown due to the transfer of address. Due clearances from the vets and a licence from the wildlife, import and trade authorities are required to carry a pet on an aircraft.

Jet Airways also specifies that a pet can be flown only in the cargo section. Airline sources said Anita had a certificate from the vet but not the other documents. Authorities were unsure about how Anita was allowed to board the aircraft with her dog.

Airport customs commissioner P M Saleem confirmed the incident but didn't comment on it.

A wildlife quarantine officer was called to check and clear the dog. The customs imposed a fine under the Import Trade Control (ITC) order and apart from the duty on the pet, Anita was also charged a penalty and fine for violating the rules.

OneIndia News