I love my three-legged cat — and believe me, emotional support goes both ways especially during both of our feeding times. But the Department of Transportation has it right in proposing to allow airlines to bar passengers from bringing their self-described “support animals” on-board flights.

On Jan. 22, DOT proposed narrowing regulations to require only that airlines allow specially trained dogs on planes. This planned change has already drawn plenty of ire. A vocal minority of passengers will inevitably complain that they’re being targeted by the government. But these critics are all bark and no bite. Science simply does not back up their claims about support animals and passenger mental health. Flyers deserve a relaxing flight experience unlittered by howls and meows and accompanying costs imposed by federal mandate.