Couple Demand Refund for Flight With a Farting Dog

[Deeds]

https://www.news.com.au/travel/travel-updates/incidents/new-zealand-couple-demand-refunds-for-flight-with-a-farting-dog/news-story/ab588590b3d0fa68a8d2b12ec7735ea4

[tdierikx]

I've met a few too many "emotional support" dogs that are even more messed up than their owners, which is a shame really, as a sound animal used for that purpose is a literal lifesaver. Sometimes I wonder if some of them have been socialised properly before being "accredited" by whoever does that service.

 

As for having to deal with nasty dog farts and slobber on a long flight... I'd say they have a case for some sort of proper compensation.

 

T.

[persephone]

That dog had no vest or anything on  to identify it as a service dog .....I think I would have probably not found the flight comfortable either

[Little Gifts]

I must confess the whole emotional support dog claim seems to be becoming very over used. I'm assuming you'd have to prove it for a flight, but people who just want their untrained and unaccredited dog to go everywhere with them is damaging the system for those doing the right thing. Not saying the people with unapproved dogs don't have needs, but that their dogs are not trained for the roles they are placing them in.

 

Sitting next to a farting dog for that long would do me in too. That stuff clings.

[BDJ]

I completely understand (and support) the need for service dogs - but I personally believe it has gone too far when it comes to support dogs.  A well trained support dog provides its owner with invaluable assistance and allows them to engage when often they would not be able to.   But it seems to me that (a) the 'need' seems to be ever increasing and the requirement criteria is hard to define, and (b) the dogs used are not always suitable for the stress that comes with the gig [how many dogs are happy, confident and great citizens in EVERY situation]

 

Guide dogs and dogs that alert for a specific health need have intensive training to a standard level.  However, it seems to me (happy to be corrected) that 'assistance dogs' and 'service dogs' seems to be anything from fantastic to yikes.   Is there an international minimum standard with a set criteria (both for the human and the dog)?  

 

Sorry - if that is the picture of the actual dog in question - the even without the farting, the breathing and the drooling would have driven me nuts being right next to it for 13 hours.    Yep, have been on plenty of flights with children who are unsettled (or screaming) and that is not fun - but I expect that may happen.   I would not expect to have to share my footspace with a dog that was unsettled, snuffling, flicking saliva, and anxious.

 

I wonder if the airline has to advise surrounding passengers before the flight?  What if you are allergic, or have a fear of dogs?

[coneye]

 Did write a post  then thought if you can't say anything nice , keep it shut

[Redsonic]

On 10/09/2023 at 12:57 PM, BDJ said:

I completely understand (and support) the need for service dogs - but I personally believe it has gone too far when it comes to support dogs.  A well trained support dog provides its owner with invaluable assistance and allows them to engage when often they would not be able to.   But it seems to me that (a) the 'need' seems to be ever increasing and the requirement criteria is hard to define, and (b) the dogs used are not always suitable for the stress that comes with the gig [how many dogs are happy, confident and great citizens in EVERY situation]

 

Guide dogs and dogs that alert for a specific health need have intensive training to a standard level.  However, it seems to me (happy to be corrected) that 'assistance dogs' and 'service dogs' seems to be anything from fantastic to yikes.   Is there an international minimum standard with a set criteria (both for the human and the dog)?  

 

Sorry - if that is the picture of the actual dog in question - the even without the farting, the breathing and the drooling would have driven me nuts being right next to it for 13 hours.    Yep, have been on plenty of flights with children who are unsettled (or screaming) and that is not fun - but I expect that may happen.   I would not expect to have to share my footspace with a dog that was unsettled, snuffling, flicking saliva, and anxious.

 

I wonder if the airline has to advise surrounding passengers before the flight?  What if you are allergic, or have a fear of dogs?

This gentleman was refused entry to a US baseball game because he brought his "emotional support alligator" with him. I agree that we have to draw the line somewhere.

 

ABC News