Humane Society Calls Delta Pit Bull Ban 'Discriminatory Policy'

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is criticizing a new Delta policy that bans pit bulls from airplane cabins.

The organization, which claims to be the "nation's most effective animal protection organization," issued a statement through its acting president and CEO Kitty Block.

"People across the country and the world rely on their pets for their physical and emotional well-being, and this discriminatory policy hurts them without providing any associated safety benefits," Block said.

"Federal laws in place to protect emotional support and service animals do not discriminate based on breed, but instead base exclusions solely on the behavior of the individual animal in question. We strongly encourage Delta Airlines, and any airline considering such an unnecessary and harmful policy, to reconsider."

Delta's policy change came after multiple incidents involving dogs attacking passengers and airline staff in recent months and years. Under the new guidelines, pit bulls and pit bull mixes are not allowed in cabins, even if they are considered service dogs.

Block said HSUS is willing to join the conversation.

"We welcome the opportunity to work with Delta and other air carriers in a proactive manner to create safe pet policies that recognize that pets truly are family," she said.

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