The government released new guidelines clarifying what types of service animals should almost always be allowed in the cabins of commercial planes, and miniature horses are among the species included.
The U.S. Department of Transportation released its final statement of enforcement priorities, which limits emotional and psychiatric support animals allowed on flights to the most commonly used service animals.
“The Enforcement Office intends to exercise its enforcement discretion by focusing its resources on ensuring that U.S. carriers continue to accept the most commonly used service animals (i.e., dogs, cats, and miniature horses) for travel,” the statement reads.
Miniature horses, which typically stand between two and three feet tall and weigh between 150 and 200 pounds, were not previously banned by DOT. Rather, the statement was made to clarify that miniature horses are permitted after airlines began to restrict other species of animals, such as insects, goats, turkeys, and possums.
Miniature horse allowed onboard plane as “emotional support” animal. pic.twitter.com/D6XVO6elf5
— Mike Sington (@MikeSington) August 9, 2019
The announcement doesn’t force the carriers to comply, but alludes to penalties if the airlines violate the new strictures.
“Airlines will not be subject to enforcement action if they continue to deny transport to snakes, other reptiles, ferrets, rodents, and spiders; however, airlines will remain subject to potential enforcement action if they categorically refuse to transport other animals or species of animals,” the statement added.
Airlines will have 30 days to review the new rules and revise company policy to accommodate dogs, cats, and miniature horses.
