A flight attendant needed five stitches after he was bitten on the hand by an emotional support dog.
The incident occurred onboard American Airlines flight 3306 – operated by subsidiary Envoy Air – from Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, to Piedmont Triad International Airport, North Carolina.
According to People, the dog bit the flight attendant when he was reaching into the passenger’s seatback pocket to get their sickness bag out.
It is believed the dog felt threatened and bit the flight attendant on the hand.
The flight attendant was examined by medics when the plane landed in North Carolina. He was cleared to return to Dallas, where he had to get five stitches.
The US’ Association of Flight Attendants (AFA) said in a statement that the incident was “unacceptable and inexcusable”.
“For years, AFA has supported the role trained animals can provide to passengers in the cabin, but we have also called for action in regards to setting standards for emotional support animals.
“We need the Department of Transportation to take action now, so events like the one that happened yesterday do not continue to occur on our planes.
“This is fundamentally about maintaining safety, health and security for passengers and crew, while ensuring accessibility for those who need it.”
US-based carriers have recently tightened up their rules on which emotional support pets can be brought onboard.
American Airlines now only permits a cat, dog or miniature horse to be brought onboard as an emotional support animal. Denver-based Frontier Airlines also only permits cats and dogs, which is the same policy as low-cost giant Southwest.
It follows passengers trying to board flights with animals such as squirrels, peacocks and a turkey.
The Independent has contacted American Airlines for comment.
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