The U.S. Department of Transportation said that carriers can’t bar certain dog breeds because airlines assume they are dangerous.
A month after a flight attendant was bitten by an emotional support animal, the U.S. Department of Transportation told the airline industry Thursday that carriers can’t bar certain dog breeds because airlines deem them dangerous, handing a victory to pit bull fans.
To control the proliferation, Southwest, JetBlue and United, among others, last year began tightening restrictions on airborne animals, particularly the unusual species. Delta Air Lines’ ban last year of all “pit bull-type dogs” as service animals or emotional support animals proved especially controversial.An airline trade group and a flight attendants union voiced support for the federal agency’s efforts to clarify its rules regarding animals.
“With over a million passengers bringing [emotional support animals] on flights last year, airlines and airports saw a sharp increase in incidents such as biting and mauling by untrained animals,” the group said. “The DOT’s guidance is an important step toward addressing this growing problem and ensuring a safer and healthier travel experience for all.
Service animals must complete training to be assigned to aid someone who is blind or has some other physical disability.
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