Airline emotional support animals get their wings cut off



[ad_1]

The new rule, which updates the definition of a service animal to “a dog that is individually trained to perform work or perform tasks for the benefit of a person with a disability”, was published following a litany of complaints from airlines and flight attendants. on people bringing on board unusual animals – including pigs, gerbils, turtles, and birds, among others – which they said were for emotional support.

The details: The last rule restricts the definition of a service animal. An “emotional support animal” will no longer fall under the definition of a service animal, the DOT said, although airlines are still required to treat psychiatric service animals as service animals.

Airlines will be allowed to limit the number of service animals per traveler to two and require the traveler to submit DOT approved forms containing information on the animal’s health, behavior and training. before boarding the flight. However, carriers cannot require passengers traveling with a service animal to physically check-in instead of online.

The rule also allows airlines to place restrictions on the animal’s size and require it to be harnessed, leashed or tied. They can also refuse to allow service animals that behave aggressively on board but cannot discriminate based on breed, the DOT said.

And after: The final rule will take effect 30 days after it is posted in the Federal Register.

[ad_2]

Source link