Atlanta Journal Constitution: DOT disallows Delta ban on pit bulls as service animals
Aug 8, 2019, 3:40 pm
#1
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Atlanta Journal Constitution: DOT disallows Delta ban on pit bulls as service animals
The U.S. Department of Transportation issued a statement saying a ban such as Delta Air Lines’ on pit bulls as service animals is not allowed.
Delta announced last year that it was banning “pit bull type dogs” as service or support animals.
But on Thursday, the DOT said it “views a limitation based exclusively on breed of the service animal to not be allowed under its service animal regulation.”“Airlines are permitted to find that any specific animal, regardless of breed, poses a direct threat,” according to the DOT.
https://www.ajc.com/business/dot-dis...7xeAUEiBWQy5O/
Delta announced last year that it was banning “pit bull type dogs” as service or support animals.
But on Thursday, the DOT said it “views a limitation based exclusively on breed of the service animal to not be allowed under its service animal regulation.”“Airlines are permitted to find that any specific animal, regardless of breed, poses a direct threat,” according to the DOT.
https://www.ajc.com/business/dot-dis...7xeAUEiBWQy5O/
Aug 8, 2019, 4:37 pm
#2
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So, Pits are allowed as service animals, but could still be banned as ESAs? It would make sense, as true service animals have a high level of training, while ESAs might have none.
Aug 8, 2019, 5:24 pm
#3
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Breed needs to be eradicated.
Flame away.
Also how many pit bulls are actual fully trained service animals? Has to be a small list.
Flame away.
Also how many pit bulls are actual fully trained service animals? Has to be a small list.
Last edited by apodo77; Aug 9, 2019 at 9:14 am
Aug 8, 2019, 5:43 pm
#4
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Should be interesting to see how Delta responds. The article reports that "The DOT in its document released Thursday says conforming with the guidance “is voluntary only” and that its guidance “is not legally binding in its own right and will not be relied on by the Department as a separate basis for affirmative enforcement or other administrative penalty.”
Aug 8, 2019, 6:26 pm
#5
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I think everyone would be fine with no breed restrictions if it meant getting rid of the ESA loophole all together, or adding significantly more stringent requirements to it. As it is, it's asinine that trained animals and a person with a doctor's note are on equal footing.
Aug 8, 2019, 6:41 pm
#6
Join Date: Oct 2007
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Can the airline evaluate what "fully trained service animal" means? I believe that they may be obligated to take the passenger's word that the animal is a fully trained service animal. (At least, that seems to be the ADA requirement. Not sure if ACA varies on that.) We had an employee that self-trained a dog to provide support for his frequent loss of balance. The National Park Service was required to accept the dog as a service dog.
Aug 8, 2019, 9:24 pm
#8
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Service Animal, ESA, or whatever- They (a pit breed) should be bonded/insured and the owner should have to sign an unlimited liability waiver before their BP is scanned.
I know this sucks for legitimate service animals, but there had to be some form of deterrent that dissuades people from bringing a known vicious breed on board an aircraft with 100+ passengers.
Agree on breeding pits out of existence- They are nothing but trouble and a huge liability concern. There is nothing a pit is capable of being/doing for their owner that a more docile breed cannot do at far less risk. Flame away indeed...
I know this sucks for legitimate service animals, but there had to be some form of deterrent that dissuades people from bringing a known vicious breed on board an aircraft with 100+ passengers.
Agree on breeding pits out of existence- They are nothing but trouble and a huge liability concern. There is nothing a pit is capable of being/doing for their owner that a more docile breed cannot do at far less risk. Flame away indeed...
Aug 8, 2019, 10:35 pm
#9
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Service Animal, ESA, or whatever- They (a pit breed) should be bonded/insured and the owner should have to sign an unlimited liability waiver before their BP is scanned.
I know this sucks for legitimate service animals, but there had to be some form of deterrent that dissuades people from bringing a known vicious breed on board an aircraft with 100+ passengers.
Agree on breeding pits out of existence- They are nothing but trouble and a huge liability concern. There is nothing a pit is capable of being/doing for their owner that a more docile breed cannot do at far less risk. Flame away indeed...
I know this sucks for legitimate service animals, but there had to be some form of deterrent that dissuades people from bringing a known vicious breed on board an aircraft with 100+ passengers.
Agree on breeding pits out of existence- They are nothing but trouble and a huge liability concern. There is nothing a pit is capable of being/doing for their owner that a more docile breed cannot do at far less risk. Flame away indeed...
As for ESA vs Service, it's fine with me if the law protects a service animal and not an Esa. The law already protects service animals from discrimination in housing. I don't care what breed is trained to perform a specific set of tasks.
Interestingly enough, I had not heard of pit breeds as service animals but apparently they are sometimes well suited to it. And if one passes the rigors of the training, I wouldn't worry about it.
https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/can-a-pit-bull-be-a-service-dog/
Aug 8, 2019, 10:43 pm
#10
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[QUOTE=manacit;31395631]Breed restrictions for fully trained service animals don't feel very necessary - these are dogs that have gone through real training and are likely reliable and can be counted on to be under control.”
Part of the problem is that service animals do not require training — people can train their own service animals.
You are referring to serious organizations that spend time and money per animal. For every one of those there is at least one scam charity or business that has self proclaimed trainers and experts that do little if anything to train the dog — some people got dogs that were not even potty trained.
Part of the problem is that service animals do not require training — people can train their own service animals.
You are referring to serious organizations that spend time and money per animal. For every one of those there is at least one scam charity or business that has self proclaimed trainers and experts that do little if anything to train the dog — some people got dogs that were not even potty trained.
Aug 8, 2019, 10:58 pm
#11
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"breeding out of existence" doesn't make sense. If you are breeding the dog, the offspring still has some pit bull still in it. What it sounds like is you want is to euthanize them all, so just say that.
As for ESA vs Service, it's fine with me if the law protects a service animal and not an Esa. The law already protects service animals from discrimination in housing. I don't care what breed is trained to perform a specific set of tasks.
Interestingly enough, I had not heard of pit breeds as service animals but apparently they are sometimes well suited to it. And if one passes the rigors of the training, I wouldn't worry about it.
https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/can-a-pit-bull-be-a-service-dog/
As for ESA vs Service, it's fine with me if the law protects a service animal and not an Esa. The law already protects service animals from discrimination in housing. I don't care what breed is trained to perform a specific set of tasks.
Interestingly enough, I had not heard of pit breeds as service animals but apparently they are sometimes well suited to it. And if one passes the rigors of the training, I wouldn't worry about it.
https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/can-a-pit-bull-be-a-service-dog/
I could probably register the dog as a service dog that killed its owner a few months ago with this organisation. ‘
One can stop breeding by sterilisation. There are breeds that no longer exist.
Aug 9, 2019, 12:04 am
#12
Join Date: Oct 2016
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More to the point, the DOT upheld every other airline restriction on ESAs and service animals I’m aware of and provided a lot of latitude in questioning passengers about their needs and documentation. The list looked good to me!
Aug 9, 2019, 12:47 am
#13
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Service dog certifications is a ridiculous business that exists to sell people an “identification card” for $39 — but the paper certificate costs $32.99 extra. It is meaningless and of course they want every type of dog registered — more money for them.
I could probably register the dog as a service dog that killed its owner a few months ago with this organisation. ‘
One can stop breeding by sterilisation. There are breeds that no longer exist
That said, at least in California, guide dog trainers (can't speak for other service animals) are regulated and must be registered with the dept of consumer affairs.
Read bully breed service dogs do exist though. https://www.huffpost.com/entry/this-...b0a40aa3ad1213
Aug 9, 2019, 6:29 am
#14
Formerly known as scootr29
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Can't they treat pit bulls like peanuts? All the flight attendant has to say is "I am sorry no pit bulls on the flight today because there is a passenger who has a "severe" pit bull allergy". "Thanks for understanding". Just saying....
Aug 9, 2019, 6:58 am
#15
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Should be interesting to see how Delta responds. The article reports that "The DOT in its document released Thursday says conforming with the guidance “is voluntary only” and that its guidance “is not legally binding in its own right and will not be relied on by the Department as a separate basis for affirmative enforcement or other administrative penalty.”