Flying Pigs

[Flying Fox]

This is so stupid.

Woman kicked of flight after taking her pig on-board for emotional support

Where is the common sense? And how did the pig get past security.

 

[mannej]

This is so stupid.

Woman kicked of flight after taking her pig on-board for emotional support

Where is the common sense? And how did the pig get past security.

America + emotional support animal = your answer

 

[spudseamus]

She told a porky to get past!

 

[samh004]

I guess it comes down to the level of training they have, just like a service dog, you have to expect that the animal is conditioned to the job it is performing, and in this case it simply wasn't. Crazy rules though... I'd like to see the flight where a miniature horse is well trained enough to be an emotional support pet!

Emotional support animals — including pigs — are allowed on flights, under federal rules drafted in 2012.

Monkeys, cats and even miniature horses all qualify as “emotional support” animals.

It’s up to transportation officials to decide which animals are too disruptive to travel on an aeroplanes.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

I guess it comes down to the level of training they have, just like a service dog, you have to expect that the animal is conditioned to the job it is performing, and in this case it simply wasn't. Crazy rules though... I'd like to see the flight where a miniature horse is well trained enough to be an emotional support pet!

Someone will correct me but I'm pretty sure emotional support animals in the USA don't require any specific training. They are there for... well... emotional support!

Plenty of complaints from fellow passengers where others appear to be taking a lap dog purely for cuddles.

The carrier of the ESA must have (in the states) a documented need for it. Although again there seem to be some doctors more willing than others to hand out such certificates.

 

[samh004]

Someone will correct me but I'm pretty sure emotional support animals in the USA don't require any specific training. They are there for... well... emotional support!

Plenty of complaints from fellow passengers where others appear to be taking a lap dog purely for cuddles.

The carrier of the ESA must have (in the states) a documented need for it. Although again there seem to be some doctors more willing than others to hand out such certificates.

What a crazy country in that case. Considering how over legislated things are I'm surprised there's not more rules, especially when the animals can become projectiles etc.. gladI'm not flying there!

 

[Flying Fox]

Pigs doing poos on planes are deadly weapons in my book and should be stopped at security!

 

[Limewood]

Wonder if my pet cobra would be OK

 

[Flying Fox]

Wonder if my pet cobra would be OK

Ha ha. How about an emotional support handgun ?

 

[Limewood]

I've got a rabbit too but he likes staying in his hat

 

[Hvr]

I've got a rabbit too but he likes staying in his hat

He felt bad when it occurred though.

 

[Colin 2905]

And how did the pig get past security.

Lipstick??

 

[JohnK]

Emotional support? How about people with allergies?

Pets do not belong in a cramped aircraft cabin. Take a valium or Xanax if you need emotional assistance getting through the flight.

 

[burrco]

Well unless the pig was reclining its seat - not sure what all the fuss is about.

 

[PLANT]

Look some people like their champers chilled..... This twit wanted fresh bacon with her eggs and hash brown! Was thinking plenty to go round.....

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Emotional support? How about people with allergies?

Pets do not belong in a cramped aircraft cabin. Take a valium or Xanax if you need emotional assistance getting through the flight.

from what I have read, there are situations where people with allergies are removed from the flight in the event another passenger is with a pet/other animal.

 

[JohnK]

from what I have read, there are situations where people with allergies are removed from the flight in the event another passenger is with a pet/other animal.

Seriously?

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Seriously?

sure, why not?

A person with an allergy can't displace a guide dog on a plane. So the same applies for an emotional support animal. I believe there would be some genuine cases where an emotional support animal does a lot of good. The problem is the abuse of that system. But you can't really deny it for those who are genuine.

as for who takes priority (allergy or animal) I think it comes down to things like who booked first and whether the passenger with the animal had made the appropriate reservation etc etc.

 

[JohnK]

I don't buy this whole emotional support argument. Perhaps I am too narrow minded.

 

[jsoprano]

I don't buy this whole emotional support argument. Perhaps I am too narrow minded.

I absolutely agree with you, JohnK. It's totally crazy!

I suggest reading this article from the New Yorker which is a great eye opener on the matter. At the very bottom of it, the reason that this is not challenged by airlines or restaurants is the fear of being sued it seems:

How to Take Your Pet Everywhere

Contrary to what many business managers think, having an emotional-support card merely means that one’s pet is registered in a database of animals whose owners have paid anywhere from seventy to two hundred dollars to one of several organizations, none of which are recognized by the government. (You could register a Beanie Baby, as long as you send a check.) Even with a card, it is against the law and a violation of the city’s health code to take an animal into a restaurant. Nor does an emotional-support card entitle you to bring your pet into a hotel, store, taxi, train, or park.