Birds Of A Feather
This might sound unusual for, well… for everyone, but a woman brought her emotional support pet to fly with her on a United Airlines flight.
Reaching the Newark Liberty International Airport, she was shot down when traveling with the bird…
Request Denied
While Dexter had a plane ticket and was looking sharp, he couldn’t fly with the woman.
That’s because Dexter is a peacock… Unfortunately, he was going to lose his chance to fly through the clouds with his human mother.
A Celebrity Pet
Dexter is famous in Bushwick, and he has his own Instagram page too. His mother is the artist Ventiko, and together they go everywhere.
A lot of people have seen the odd pair on the streets of New York. But still, as famous as he was, Dexter didn’t get lucky.
Official Statement From United
As a response to Ventiko’s surprised reaction of not being able to fly with her emotional support peacock, a spokesperson for United said: “_This animal did not meet guidelines for several reasons, including its weight and size”_.
And that’s not all!
The Woman Already Knew
“_We explained this to the customers on three separate occasions before they arrived at the airport_,“ continued the spokesperson.
What made the airline so set on not receiving these weird requests? You’ll see…
Delta Airline Restrictions
On 19 January, Delta airline has announced that they will try to lower the abuse of the policy according to which people are allowed to be accompanied everywhere by their emotional support animals.
And that’s because they’ve seen too much ill animal behavior!
Unfortunate Events
Lately, there has been an 84% of an increase in animals urinating, defecating, biting or attacking passengers on flights.
Last year, a dog used for emotional support attacked a passenger, and in 2014 a dog pooped in the aisle. What people have to say about it?
Different Reactions
Of course, it’s none of the animals’ fault. They’re not properly trained, or sometimes it’s just an accident…
I mean, there’s been some people that commented on these facts, saying that it’s something people do too!
A Majestic Peacock
An airline staffer said that he’d rather get to see a “_majestic peacock over the 5+ dogs that have attacked my coworkers just this past holiday season_“.
However, we bet you didn’t know what a peacock can do!
Ventiko’s Peacock Pet
Calling your pet an emotional support animal is nothing out of the ordinary. Many people have done it to fly near their pets for free and not worry about them being put in a cage, separately.
But if that’s the case, they should consider driving and not risking other people’s safety.
A Major Problem To Service Animals Too
Unfortunately, people who need psychiatric service animals must have a veterinarian health form and immunization record to Delta airline 48 hours before going on the plane.
And that’s not all!
Other Papers Needed
There must also be additional papers like proof of the animal being trained to be a service animal and its health checked before.
And from March, Delta airline will not allow exotic emotional support animals, such as ferrets, insects, spiders, pigs, and so on...
What Does The Peacock Say?
This beautiful bird makes equally beautiful chirps, right? Nope! They are extremely loud and make high-pitched meow-like sounds.
Okay, that’s only in the mating season that lasts from early spring to early autumn!
What Happened To Dexter?
Ventiko didn’t manage to get Dexter on the plane with her, so she realized it would be in vain to argue further after a few unsuccessful attempts.
They had to drive to Los Angeles and stole people’s chances to meet them on a plane…
A Major Issue For People With Guide Dogs
The NFB has a major concern related to people that need guide dogs. In case of emergency, “_they won’t be able to fly on Delta for family, medical or other emergencies_” because they must make a 48-hour ‘intent-to-fly’ requirement.
And it surely isn’t fair to them!
A Punishment To Properly Trained Service Animals
Eric Lipp, Executive Director of the Open Doors Organization, supports NFB, stating that "properly trained service animals are being punished by Delta“.
Here’s what a blind consultant said…
“I Sympathize With The Airlines”
Pat Pound is a disability consultant, who is also blind and travels with a guide dog.
He said that too many people are cheating, and the airlines just try to maintain the system, but their new policies will not solve the issue. He feels he will “_end up being penalized_. “
Reevaluating The Support Animal Policies
Related to Ventiko’s case and her peacock, United confirmed that they would reevaluate their policies: “_We know that some customers require an emotional support animal to assist them in their journey_.”
But they will have to respect the 48 hours advance notice.
Documentation Needed
United will also require documentation from a medical professional to attest that the emotional support animal is needed.
It sure is an effort, but it’s a necessity to protect their “_employees and customers while accommodating passengers with disabilities_. “
So, Whose Side Are We On?
United will also require documentation from a medical professional to attest that the emotional support animal is needed.
It sure is an effort, but it’s a necessity to protect their “_employees and customers while accommodating passengers with disabilities_. “