ANIMMAL WATCH-Any dog attack is alarming, painful and can cause lasting injury — whether it is by a Pit Bull or a Chihuahua—regardless of whether victims are merely knocked down or the animal sinks its teeth into their flesh. Plus, there are other victims in every attack—family members, witnesses, those who try to stop the attack, employers, and landlords or business owners on whose property the incident occurs.
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There have been two reported attacks by dogs on airlines in the past year: In June 2017, a man was mauled by an emotional support dog on a Delta Air Lines flight in Atlanta. The severely disfigured victim claims he was attacked twice in the face and could not escape because he was in a window seat. And, in February 2018, a child was bitten on the face by an alleged service dog on a Southwest Airlines flight.
I recall an appeal case before the LA Animal Services a few years ago, where a Pit Bull given to a homeless veteran under a City program within a few days attacked a Golden Retriever lying under the chair of its owner at an outdoor eating area of a restaurant. The retriever sustained over $14,000 in veterinary bills;a food server and the owner were also injured trying to protect her pet. The homeless man, who had no insurance, claimed he needed the Pit Bull for emotional support and wanted it back, blaming the retriever for “barking at his dog.”
Federal and state laws force landlords to accept Emotional Support Animals (ESA’s) and make it impossible to identify “fake” service dogs they may believe to be high risk, even if they have a no-pet policy. They are restricted from making inquires about the alleged service dog’s history, purpose or training. Airlines, restaurants and other businesses are also mandated to allow service dogs, even in violation of some public health laws.
ESA’s and “fake” service dogs can be any breed, size or age and do not have special training to perform a specific task. They often do not have even basic obedience training or socialization. Real service dogs and assistance dogs go through a selection and training process that assures they have a docile temperament and are trained to never act aggressively, even if attacked.”
Yes, indeed.