Can you transport any kind of dog on “the friendly skies ?”  Apparently not, as United Airlines adopted Continental’s ban of certain breeds of dogs. Breeds, or mixes, that have reached either 6 months of age or 20 pounds that are prohibited are: Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Presa Canario, Perro de Presa Canario, Dogo Argentino, Cane Corso, Fila Brasileiro, Tosa (or Tosa Ken) and Ca de Bou. Although United is the only airline that has a ban on certain breeds, all airlines reserve the right to turn away a dog on an individual basis if he or she appears ill or aggressive, according to news reports. As Doug Landau tells juries, “unnecessary danger should never be allowed.”  If unnecessary danger is preventable, then it reasonably prudent people should act to prevent foreeseable harm.

Having represented airport workers injured on the job, this is a good policy.  Airline employee clients of the Herndon law firm ABRAMS LANDAU often come into contact with dangerous items without any warnings.  However, there are instances where there is some premonition of an unsafe situation. Just as airlines can refuse passengers who may be inebriated, ill or otherwise unsafe to travel, dangerous animals should also be transported on a case-by-case basis. If you or someone you know or care for has been injured as the result of a dog bite or other animal attack and there are questions about what laws apply, e-mail or call us at ABRAMS LANDAU, Ltd. (703-796-9555) at once.