Delta Airlines Ban on Some Service Dogs Draws Anger

Delta Airlines has announced a change involving what emotional support and service dogs it will allow on flights and the ASPCA (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) isn't happy about it. Neither am I.

The airline has announced it won't be allowing "pit bull type" dogs on flights, beginning July 10. If said dog is a registered support dog or service dog, it doesn't make a bit of difference. If you have a "pit bull type" dog, which by the way is a ridiculous characterization, that dog isn't getting on the flight. And, I'm guessing you'll tear up your boarding pass if your service dog can't make the trip with you.

So why the new policy from Delta? The airline says the

Changes follow an 84 percent increase in reported incidents involving service and support animals since 2016, including urination/defecation, biting and even a widely reported attack by a 70-pound dog.

 

Delta will also only allow one service animal or emotional support animal per passenger. The company's statement goes on to say

Customers have attempted to fly with comfort turkeys, gliding possums, snakes, spiders and more. Ignoring the true intent of existing rules governing the transport of service and support animals can be a disservice to customers who have real and documented needs.

What that has to do with "pit bull type" dogs that are bonafide emotional support or service animals is beyond me. In any case, you can read Delta's full policy HERE.

I'm all for safety, but to say you're going to ban "pit bull type" dogs is absurd. How will Delta Airlines ever be able to enforce this new rule? Just look what Vet Street says about Pit Bulls:

The term “Pit Bull” is often applied indiscriminately to APBTs (American Pit Bull Terriers), American Staffordshire Terriers and sometimes Staffordshire Bull Terriers, a British breed. The term may also be used to label any dog who resembles those breeds, even if he is a Lab mix with little or no “Pit Bull” in his background.

ASPCA CEO, Matt Bershadker, made his feelings very well known today on Twitter.