Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Guardian - US
The Guardian - US
Lifestyle
Ali Wunderman

Counterfeit canines: the air travelers with fake service dogs

A rising number of unscrupulous pet owners obtain emotional support animal certificates, which allows them to travel with their pets.
A rising number of unscrupulous pet owners obtain emotional support animal certificates, which allows them to travel with their pets. Photograph: Joel Hawkins/Getty Images

Victor Hurtado, a staff member for the secretary of the army, was waiting for a connecting flight in the San Francisco airport when he was suddenly attacked by an aggressive brown poodle. The dog, teeth bared, lunged in his direction, ready to bite.

A bloody outcome was only avoided because Hurtado’s mobility dog, a black labrador named Holly, had been trained to avoid escalation when confronted with violent behavior.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.