Support animals shouldn’t burden others
Delta Air Lines and United Airlines will be tightening requirements for passengers traveling with onboard service and emotional support animals, following an increased number of animal-related safety issues on flights.
Why is it that just a few years ago, we weren’t seeing this abuse by people claiming their emotional comfort animal? All it takes is a few idiots to ruin it for legitimate service animals. There needs to be a law against anyone and everyone claiming their pet as a service animal. There are many people allergic to animals and what about their rights? If you need Fido to go with you on vacation, perhaps find another way to travel that doesn’t interfere with the rights of others who follow the rules. Melody Joy
I see support animals everywhere now. Some people can’t budge from the sofa without them. This is nonsense personified, and it needs to stop. Mary Melcher
I have an emotional support animal — a cat named Ember. She flies with me almost always. I do everything I can regarding the comfort of other passengers. Since I board early in a wheelchair, I let the attendants know ahead of time. Once Ember’s carrier is under the seat in front of me, I place a plastic bag filled with allergy medications for anyone near me on the plane. As people sit down, I warn those around me about Ember.
I take care of Ember. I don’t break the rules. I go above and beyond what’s required of me to ensure that she causes minimal problem, if any, for my fellow passengers and the flight crew.
Do you realize how many times those of us with support animals are told that they don’t do actual jobs? They help us deal with disabilities that aren’t visible. That doesn’t mean our disabilities don’t exist. But it does mean that many of us experience judgment from others. Kathleen Rose Snyder
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