ESA Weekly News Report July 20th: New ESA State Law + Delta ESA Lawsuit

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  • ESA Weekly News Report July 20th: New ESA State Law + Delta ESA Lawsuit

By: Rita Cunha Updated: December 4, 2020

We’re kicking off this week by once again bringing you our weekly emotional support animal news report. Grab your cup of coffee and sit down with us to get up to speed.

Missouri Cracks Down on Fake ESAs

Going into effect August 28, 2020, Missouri joins the list of states to make it a misdemeanor to misrepresent a pet as an assistance animal.

Stated in the Pitch, “the bill states that the Governor’s council on disability will prepare and make posters showing the new law available online for businesses to put in their windows. The council will also prepare and make available brochures detailing guidelines about service dogs and other assistance animals.”

Even our own Prairie Conlon, LPC, NCC, and CertaPet’s Clinical Director fully supports the legislation as it brings more awareness to ESAs and trouble that comes from misrepresenting their dog just for the sake of flying or living with no pet fees.

Source: https://www.thepitchkc.com/missouri-gov-mike-parson-says-service-dog-days-are-over/

Bridgeport Mayor Brings Lawsuit Against Delta Airlines

Joe Ganim, mayor of the city of Bridgeport in Connecticut, is seeking compensation after an incident aboard a Delta Airlines flight. According to the lawsuit, Ganim was attacked by a “vicious” and “unstable” emotional support dog. Delta refuses responsibility and the case is still sitting in the courts.

The incident isn’t new. It happened in November 2018, but no decision or compromise has been reached as of yet. Delta claims there was no negligence on its part, but Ganim presses that Delta is legally responsible.

The alleged attack took place during a particularly tough year for the airline. In 2018 alone, incidents involving emotional support animals rose by 84 percent. From dog attacks to foul odors aboard the cabin, Delta received backlash.

In this incident, Ganim is seeking reparations for his “serious, severe, painful and permanent injuries.” The attack left him with scars, disfigurements, and prolonged pain. Moreover, he had to undergo rabies treatments, as Delta would not disclose the animal’s immunization records.

Delta maintains that it followed all emotional support animal policies in place at the time. For starters, the owner of the dog in question had a valid emotional support animal letter. Moreover, they had received a veterinarian form for this emotional support dog.

Nonetheless, Ganim is still pursuing the lawsuit. It is not the first time Delta Airlines has been backed against the wall by other passengers in incidents involving animals. Since this particular problem, much has changed about the airline’s ESA policy and it is now more strict.

Source: https://www.ctpost.com/local/article/Bridgeport-Mayor-Joe-Ganim-sues-Delta-Airlines-15399773.php

CertaPet’s Thoughts on This Week’s News

We applaud the new legislation in Missouri! This further legitimates true emotional support animals and the need to have one for those who suffer from a mental/emotional disability.

Lawsuits such as Ganim’s have pushed airlines to crack down on ESAs. Now, some carriers are asking that owners sign a responsibility form, in which they’ll take full responsibility for their animal’s behavior.

Despite the bad press, emotional support animals are now more important than ever. They can help people with mental and emotional disabilities live a healthier and more fuller life.

If you need some emotional support, start by taking our 5-minute pre-screening test for free. We’ll put you in touch with a licensed mental health professional. They’ll have a consultation with you and, if you qualify, issue your ESA letter.


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