Flying turkey ruffles feathers about 'emotional support' animals on planes

[bcr229]

http://www.foxnews.com/travel/2016/0...ls-on-flights/

This story really brings home the difference between a true "service animal" under the ADA (see http://www.ada.gov/service_animals_2010.htm) and the legal requirements that businesses must follow when making accommodations for them, versus what is needed for a mere "emotional support animal" (ESA).

I also noticed that snakes are specifically prohibited as ESA's by the airlines in the cabin area, which IMO is stupid. Unlike cats, dogs, monkeys, and birds/fowl, which are being permitted:
- They have no dander so there are no worries about allergic reactions from the other passengers.
- They're not going to jump up and slobber all over everyone on the plane.
- They are quiet.
- They are easily contained in a bag or rubber tub.
- Their "output" can be regulated based on feeding schedule.

[AllThatInThemGenes]

it’s frustrating that so many people have a fear of snakes...but does that have to be taken into consideration because the number is so high? Looking at it from let’s say United Airlines prospective things get a little tough. if they allow snakes...someone will be seated next to a passenger that has one. if that passenger express discomfort they have to find someone willing to switch seats before the plane can take off (they have to do the same with dogs). When the flight attendant ask if anyone would be willing to sit next to the passenger with the snake less people will be inclined to make the switch and passengers that have a deathly fear of snakes will hear the announcement and could possibly go into freak out mode (again this would delay take off which would have a negative effect on their customer service.

its not fair. and a big part of me wants people to be exposed to snakes because well...they are great for all the reasons you listed and way more. but its hard for commercial business to take that stance.

[GoingPostal]

Give it a few more generations and we'll be completely useless as a species between safe spaces so no one gets their feelings hurt and all these people who apparently can't get through life without a turkey or llama at their side for support. Local to me there's a big low income rental and everyone there that wants a pet goes and talks to a therapist and bam-they can have a kitty or whatever, it's an "ESA". Ridiculous.

[distaff]

We had a recent thread here about the emotional support our snakes can give us. Agree EAS is wrong; fur and adoring eyes are not necessary for the job. And, yes - much easier to discreetly contain. Use both a cloth bag and a tub so there are no escapes.

Nevertheless, I also relate to the above two posts. Our culture is falling apart. The airline is not responsible for all these problems.

FWIW, I DETEST monkeys!! IMHO, filthy, nasty creatures (YMMV).

[treaux]

While I think comfort pets are a good idea and help many people with mental health issues, stuff like this is really getting out of hand. It's just part of this entitlement era we've entered where everyone feels they are above any rules due to their needs and status. Just like this whole new generation of children and teenagers who have no understanding of rules or the word no.

*stomps around on his porch shaking his cane and yelling "You darn kids!"*

[se7en]

i want natural selection to make a comeback.

let's get rid of all warning labels.

[Kokorobosoi]

Do you know I found a warning label on my curling iron that said external use only? I had to just stare at it in disbelief.

Has anyone seen the therapy pony yet? It was kinda cute.

[PitOnTheProwl]

Society really needs to Adult up.
I don't have unicorns and rainbows falling out of my hind end and many of you know that.
I don't care what anyone says or wants to believe on this.
A true SERVICE animal helps you function throughout everyday life.
What everyone wants as therapy or emotional support animals can be done at home and don't need to be with you 24/7.
I have my moments but I have learned to cope with them without laying my hands on someone.
We have coddled our future generations into worthlessness...........

Where do you draw the line?
I want a freaking Komodo Dragon as my therapy animal.
Maybe then the people around me would smarten up OR after a good bite it wouldn't matter soon after?

[OhhWatALoser]

Do you know I found a warning label on my curling iron that said external use only? I had to just stare at it in disbelief.

Knowing every label has someone's name on it.... Holy crap ow!

[Jeanne]

I get that people use animals for emotional support.. Thats fine.. But really, one cant go to a freakin grocery store without taking ur damn dog... pets/svcs pets w the exception of dogs helping blind or deaf/hearing impaired..should not be in the damn store where I shop for my food. It makes me sick. Then they put their damn dog in the grocery cart as if its a grocery item..yep, I wnt to use that cart nxt for food after your pet laid in it..no thnk U.. Let natural selection do its job.