by Donald Wood
Last updated: 4:47 PM ET, Thu June 21, 2018
Delta Air Lines announced Wednesday it was updating its service and support animal policy to limit the number of animals and outright ban pit bulls.
Starting on July 10, Delta passengers will only be permitted to travel with one emotional support animal per customer per flight and pit bull dogs will no longer be accepted as service or support animals.
Delta originally instituted a strict service and support animal policy in March, which many other airlines in the United States have modified and adopted. Company officials said the new rules were put in place as a result of growing safety concerns after employees were bitten.
The airline said the policy updates ensure the safety of its customers and employees, while still allowing customers with legitimate needs and disabilities to travel with trained service and support animals.
"The safety and security of Delta people and our customers is always our top priority," Delta COO Gil West said in a statement. "We will always review and enhance our policies and procedures to ensure that Delta remains a leader in safety."
Since 2016, Delta reported an 84 percent increase in incidents involving service and support animals, including urination/defecation, biting and attacks. The full service and support animal policy can be found on the airline's website.
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