Delta Air Lines bans pit bulls in new emotional support animal revamp
Delta Air Lines has added more restrictions to its emotional support animal policy with ‘pit bull type dogs’ soon to be banned.
Starting July 10, pit bulls will no longer be accepted as emotional support companions after Delta cited ‘growing safety concerns following recent incidents in which several employees were bitten.’
It has provoked anger from pet owners but Delta insists safety for all comes first.
"The safety and security of Delta people and our customers is always our top priority. We will always review and enhance our policies and procedures to ensure that Delta remains a leader in safety," said Gil West, Delta’s chief operating officer.
Delta earlier updated its policy in March this year.
The airline says it carries nearly 700 service or support animals every day.
The system has long been abused by passengers, it says.
"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."
It is also introducing a limit of one emotional support animal per customer per flight.
Delta cites a 84% increase in reported incidents involving service and support animals since 2016.
Pet owners took to social media complaining about the new rule and American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals decried the airline’s ‘breed prejudice.’
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