ANKARA

Turkish Cargo, an affiliate of national flag carrier Turkish Airlines, carried 63 horses to Istanbul from Chicago.

According to a statement from the air freighter on Tuesday, the horses were brought in specially designed 21 stalls -- dedicated horse barns with non-skid surface and oval edges.

The company said it complies with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Live Animals Regulations (LAR) in accepting, carrying and shipping animals.

The horses were accompanied by their keepers and IATA LAR certificated Turkish Cargo personnel during the flight.

"Having been lodged for a short time in the live animal rooms at Istanbul’s Ataturk Airport in conformity with their natural living conditions, the horses were delivered healthy and hale to their owners in Turkey through the dedicated loading doors enabling ready movement," it said.

Turkish Cargo carries out live animal transportation – whether between the qualified zoos, private institutions or acknowledged preservation and rehabilitation centers to prevent animal trafficking – in 127 countries.