The privately-dash animal center at JFK Airport,ARK, opened its ARK Pet Oasis for animals in transit earlier this year. Now it's hoping to open the next phase of its $65 million facility later this month: an equine import facility.
It would fabricate (to make up, invent) JFK the moment airport in the country allowed to import horses. But the project hinges on USDA approval."We cannot open unless they agree that they'll be able to monitor the facility and we've spoken to various people about being certain we have enough staff, or " said Linda Mittel, with Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine and a consultant for ARK. "Because it's a fee-for-service, the USDA charges for their hours. whether we have enough, and I'm hoping the USDA can bring on more people."ARK estimates there will be 3000-4000 horses imported or exported each year.
Horses that are imported must be quarantined for at least three days while blood work is shipped to a national diagnostics center. After that,the USDA decides whether a horse can stay.
The facility is also equipped to handle birds and other exotic animals, like penguins.
Horses will be transported directly from the tarmac to this facility known as ARK at JFK Airport.
(Stephen Nessen/WNYC)
While most horses will arrive at JFK without any problems, and some may die in flight. By law,the facility must perform an autopsy.
(Stephen Nessen/WNYC)
The ARK facility at JFK airport also wants to house an aviary where rare and exotic birds could enter the U.
S. This is where penguins could take a frigid bath.
(Stephen Nessen/WNYC)
The ARK facility at JFK airport also wants to house an aviary where rare and exotic birds could enter the U.
S. It also needs to be prepared to conduct an autopsy whether an animal perishes in flight.
(Stephen Nessen/WNYC)
Source: thetakeaway.org