United Changing Rules For Emotional Support Animals

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NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- United Airlines has tightened its rules for emotional support animals after a woman's failed attempt to fly out of Newark Airport with a peacock as her companion.

Starting March 1, passengers won't be allowed to fly with emotional support animals unless they can provide a vet's note confirming the animals pose no threat to other people.

Delta is planning a similar policy.

Flew @united to @EWRairport and someone tried to take a PEACOCK as a #comfortanimal on. Thanks for saying no United ???? (sorry NY - I know I was in Jersey) pic.twitter.com/gfZf2blD7c
— Sherri Ross (@TXSherri) January 30, 2018

Dexter the peacock is an emotional support animal for New York City-based photographer and performance artist Ventiko.

Dexter had a ticket for a United Airlines flight from Newark to Los Angeles on Sunday. But United wouldn't let the bird on board, citing several reasons including his size and weight.

A spokesperson said this was explained to the owner three times before they got to the airport.

According to Instagram, Dexter and his "human friends" were instead driving cross-country to L.A.

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A post shared by Dexter The Peacock (@dexterthepeacock)