Service dog flight restrictions

[Kitty]

The Department. of Transportation (DOT) has proposed new regulatory language on air travel with a service animal. If adopted "as is," this new language will deprive many disabled persons of the right to fly with their assistance dog in the plane cabin. The proposed rule would grant the airlines the right to charge a disabled passenger for an extra seat, put the dog in cargo, or make the handler/service dog team get off the plane if the service animal cannot fit in the small space allotted directly in front of the passenger's seat.

Please go to the Internation Association of Assistance Dog Partners website: iaadp www.iaadp.org/. You will find an Emergency Action Call posted, as well as a sample outline of a public comment letter and a way to submit a letter via the internet.

The deadline for public comment is March 4. Please crosspost if you would like to do so.

Thanks!

 

[afreas]

This all came about due to some serious stupidity on the part of a passenger a couple of years ago. This is really true folks. She was afraid to fly and got her 100 pound plus pot bellied pig declared a service animal because it relaxed her. The thing had no training at all. Once in flight the thing went berserk in the plane, dumped in the cabin.... just a zoo. Since then this update has been in the works. Just dumb.
ART

 

[blstarke]

if this law really gets passed, I will never fly again

 

[Crazy4Suki]

Originally posted by NewfDad:
This all came about due to some serious stupidity on the part of a passenger a couple of years ago. This is really true folks. She was afraid to fly and got her 100 pound plus pot bellied pig declared a service animal because it relaxed her. The thing had no training at all. Once in flight the thing went berserk in the plane, dumped in the cabin.... just a zoo. Since then this update has been in the works. Just dumb.
ART

I think it's just plain silly to change the law to "no service animals" at all. They should simply re-define the definition of "service animal" so things like this pot-belly pig incidence doesn't happen again. No need to punish everyone because of one incidence.

 

[Annie Milliron]

Sent!!!! This really ticks me off!

I agree Karen.... most assistance animals have gone through a major training program.... it seems that it wouldn't be too difficult to have some sort of credentials for trained assistance animals... that the airlines could require. Almost like a passport or something.

[ 02-24-2005, 10:53 AM: Message edited by: Annie Milliron ]

 

[Newfs Forever]

Generally Annie,

When you see the service dogs in the airport or on an airplane, there is no question that they are service dogs. They don't have the nylon collars and leashs that most of us have for our kids. Depending upon the disability of course. But most of them have that large U shape handle on them, that is attached to their collar.

If I had one of these magnificent creatures I would be d@#$%^ if I would have them put in the hold.

Sue
PS. Ya, Art seems to me I remember that incident with the pot bellied pig. But, hopefully the Americans with Disabilities group can counter this ridiculous attempt at changing the law.

 

[Annie Milliron]

True.... the CCI puppy that graduated last night form our puppy kindergarten wears a cape. Of course, it's a training cape. They get another color whent they graduate from CCI.

It seems to me that it would be simple enough for the DOT and Airline Industry to figure this out.

 

[Newfs Forever]

Actually Annie,

They (owners) must have some type of documentation, because the service animals do lie on the floor of the cabin without any type of crate. Basically, if people are carrying their own pets on board they must be in a crate of some type. And obviously, the larger breeds (such as service dog types) are not allowed in the cabin, because they couldn't fit in a crate that technically needs to be stowed under a seat.

Sue