Support dog injures child on plane at Phoenix airport
Feb 22, 2018, 6:46 AM | Updated: 9:51 am
(Screenshot)
PHOENIX — A child on a plane at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport was nearly bitten by another passenger’s support dog Wednesday night, according to a report.
Southwest Airlines explained in an email to a local news station that a passenger on Flight 904 bound for Portland, Oregon, had suffered a minor injury when the dog’s teeth “scraped a child’s forehead.”
The little girl had walked up to the dog to pet it, a witness, Todd Rice said.
He tweeted out a photo of the dog but the post was later deleted.
@SouthwestAir flight 1904 allows a support dog on the plane, bites kid, paramedics now on plane. Why are dogs on the plane?! Never again will I fly SWA. pic.twitter.com/mvfwQM4BaD
— Todd R. (@TR411) February 22, 2018
The plane had not taken off yet and was delayed for almost half an hour. The dog and the person with it didn’t stay on board.
The Transportation Security Administration allows service/support animals in airplane cabins.
The airline’s pet policy for special-needs customers said the animals can rest on the floor but not in a seat.
The customer with a service dog has to provide the airline with a formal letter from a doctor or mental health professional stating the dog is necessary for the person’s well-being.