DOT Final Rule: No Longer Recognizes Emotional Support Animals, Prohibits Pit Bull Bans in Aircraft Cabin and More

The Department's final rule allows fighting breeds as service animals in the aircraft cabin. Final Rule Issued Washington DC - On December 2, the Department of Transportation (DOT) issued its final rule on Traveling by Air with Service Animals. It is now absolute that the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) no longer recognizes emotional support animals (ESAs) as a service animal. Passengers claiming to have a disability and needing to fly with one or more ESAs in the aircraft cab… [Read full blog post]

2020 Dog Bite Fatality: Pit Bull Attacks, Kills Man During a Loud Argument in Joliet, Illinois

A pit bull killed a 46-year old man during a loud argument in Joliet, Illinois. Pit Bull Kills Man Joliet, IL - A 46-year old man is dead after being attacked by a pit bull in Joliet, marking the sixth fatal dog mauling in Illinois this year. The vicious attack occurred in the 1200 block of Arthur Avenue. A Joliet Fire ambulance crew was called to the home at 6:27 pm Thursday for a dog bite incident, according to fire chief Greg Blaskey. The man was found on the floor with no pulse. He was… [Read full blog post]

Ann Marie Rogers: Animal Welfare Advocate, Animal Control Officer, Public Safety Advocate - Perspectives of Advocates

Ann Marie Rogers of Responsible Citizens for Public Safety shares her background in animal welfare, animal control and public safety advocacy in our series: Perspectives of Advocates. My Background As I have always had a passion for animals, particularly dogs, I volunteered at a local humane society as a teenager and later worked at the Michigan Humane Society in various capacities -- adoption counselor, wildlife specialist, animal behaviorist, evaluator and veterin… [Read full blog post]

2020 Dog Bite Fatality: 14-Year Old Boy Fatally Bitten by Dog at Otter Tail County Breeder; Dog was Imported from Poland

Dion Bush, 14-years old, was killed by a dog imported from Poland in February 2020. Ully for Sale Advertisement UPDATE 12/15/20: Advertisements sent into DogsBite.org indicate that Ully, a male long hair German shepherd that was imported from Poland in late February, was still available for sale on December 8. Two days later, Ully attacked and killed 14-year old Dion Bush. Ully was also advertised as being 4-years old, not 3. Ully's owner and the victim's mother, Jennifer B… [Read full blog post]