Jetstar sparks outrage: Teen’s assistance dog rejected from flight – debate ignites over greyhound’s right to fly
An Australian teenager has spoken out after her service dog was rejected from a Jetstar flight, despite previously being allowed to fly with the airline.
Jetstar recently rejected an application to fly Myles Herrin with her retired greyhound Rosie from Perth to Melbourne next month.
It would be the teenager's first flight without a family member.
Ms Herrin claims Jetstar's policy does not comply with the Disability Discrimination Act and says her assistance dog is accredited in Western Australia.
An Australian teenager has spoken out after her service dog Rosie (pictured) was turned away from a Jetstar flight, despite previously being allowed to fly with the airline
Jetstar policy requires assistance dogs to be registered under Queensland Government legislation or recognized by Assistance Dogs International (ADI).
However, the Disability Discrimination Act says that guide dogs can be accredited by any state or territory law or accredited by a prescribed animal training organization.
The teen's mother, Filipa Herrin, said Virgin Airlines had given her verbal confirmation that Myles would be allowed to fly with her service dog next month.
Ms Herrin claims Jetstar's policy does not comply with the Disability Discrimination Act and says her assistance dog is accredited in Western Australia
She told the ABC: 'There is no way for us to even attempt to enforce this internal policy which completely ignores (the Disabled Discrimination Act)'.
In a statement, Jetstar confirmed that service dogs had to meet standards set by the Queensland Government or ADI.
“Assistance dogs are welcome on board our flights, provided they have the necessary training and accreditation as detailed on our website at the time of booking,” a spokesperson said.
'Unfortunately, Jetstar has not received any information indicating that Myles Herrin's dog, Rosie, has been trained to a standard that meets or exceeds the Assistance Dogs International (ADI) training standards or those of the Queensland Guide Hearing and Assistance Dogs . Act 2009 (QLD).
'These are the minimum standards required by Jetstar to meet its civil aviation safety obligations.
“We sincerely apologize for any miscommunication that may have occurred when Myles Herrin previously flew with us, and we have offered a full refund for their booking.”