The Enfer-World Sheepdog Trials, taking place in Ireland for the first time, are facing problems because Aer Lingus is refusing to carry dogs on its short-haul aircraft.
Some 241 border collies from 21 countries are due to come to Ireland at the end of June for the biggest world sheepdog trials, taking place in Tullamore, Co Offaly, between July 7th and 10th.
The event is expected to attract 2,500 international visitors to the Midlands, as well as huge numbers of Irish enthusiasts. Spokesman for the trials Loughnan Hooper estimated their worth at €3 million to the midlands economy.
"They have been secured for Ireland after strong competition from various countries. It is a big honour for Ireland to get them," said Mr Hooper.
It is the first time dogs will travel from the US, Canada and New Zealand to take part in the competition. "This is the first time it is a real world competition," said Mr Hooper. The trials were made hugely popular by the One Man And His Dog television programme.
However, a decision by Aer Lingus to refuse to carry animals on flights between Ireland, Britain and Europe from March 1st threatens to force some competitors to pull out. Organisers estimate almost half the dogs' handlers are booked on affected Aer Lingus flights.
An Aer Lingus spokeswoman said the move to stop taking pets on short-haul flights was due to the fact that "new generation" airbuses - the A320 and the A321 - were "not suitable for live animals".
"The hold of these new aircraft do not have the required conditions for the carriage of live animals as the level of ventilation is not suitable." She said anyone intending travelling to Ireland with a pet should contact an alternative freight carrier.
Mr Hooper, however, expressed doubt that every single plane of the old fleet had been replaced, and expressed a hope that Aer Lingus would accommodate the dogs. He said the dogs' handlers and owners would have booked their flights before Christmas with the intention of booking their dogs on nearer the event date.
There was no forewarning from Aer Lingus about this change in policy.
"It's not a disaster, yet," said Mr Hooper. "But we just got word the New Zealand team planned to fly Qantas to Heathrow and Aer Lingus to Dublin. It is a real headache."
He said the dogs could travel by ferry, but said this would be very inconvenient and tiring for the dogs.
