US plans ban on emotional support animals | News

The United States department of transportation is seeking public comment on proposed amendments to regulations on the transportation of service animals by air.

The body covers the travel of animals on commercial flights through the Air Carrier Access Act.

Officials hope to restrict the right of free travel to dogs that are trained to help people with disabilities.

The proposals are designed to address concerns raised by airlines that the system is being misused.

However, individuals with disabilities will be protected, the department said.

“The department recognises the integral role that service animals play in the lives of many individuals with disabilities and wants to ensure that individuals with disabilities can continue using their service animals while also reducing the likelihood that passengers wishing to travel with their pets on aircraft will be able to falsely claim their pets are service animals,” explained a statement.

Under the plans, emotional support animals will no-longer be classed as service animals.

Airlines for America, representing United States-based carriers, applauded the move.

“Airlines want all passengers and crew to have a safe and comfortable flying experience, and we are confident the proposed rule will…