Free Republic

A Florida traveler tried to bring a real snake on a plane, claiming the animal was an emotional support pet. The boa constrictor, named Bartholomew, was caught in someone’s carry-on luggage during security screening at the Tampa International Airport, according to the Transportation Security Administration. The 4-foot-long snake was found coiled up inside the bag in December along with other items for the trip, TSA spokesperson Lisa Farbstein told Travel + Leisure. “Snake on a plane? This is a @TSA X-ray of Bartholomew, a boa constrictor who was in a traveler's carry-on bag at @FlyTPA last month,” Farbstein tweeted. “Woman...

Joie Henney and Wally the emotional support alligator Wally gets to walk around before entering a roller skating rink. Wally the alligator, and his handler Joie Henney, visit York City summer campers at Roll 'R' Way roller skating rink.

Starting July 1, ferrets, goats and hedgehogs can no longer fly American Airlines, even if they’re support animals. They’re just three of a somewhat lengthy list of barred animals the airline has put out in response to an increase in customers transporting a service or support animal onboard their aircraft — more than 40 percent from 2016 to 2017. “We support the rights of customers, from veterans to people with disabilities, with legitimate needs for a trained service or support animal,” AA said in a statement. “Unfortunately, untrained animals can lead to safety issues for our team, our customers and...

A Clearwater Beach resident is fighting to keep his emotional support squirrel that lives with him at Island Walk Condominiums. Ryan Boylan and Brutis are inseparable. He rescued her last year after Hurricane Matthew. "Ever since then I mean, oh my God, I can't imagine not being around her," said Boylan. But he could lose her. Property management discovered Brutis back in April when she was chased up a tree by a dog. According to a complaint filed by the condo association to Boylan and the condo owner, exotic animals are not allowed. He never told the board about the...

WINDSOR LOCKS, Conn., - A woman and her pot-bellied pig were booted off a Washington, D.C.-bound plane after passengers complained the pig was disruptive and stinky. The pig, thought to be about 70 pounds, had been brought aboard the US Airways plane at Bradley International Airport in Connecticut as an emotional-support animal. Crew members determined the animal was too disruptive and asked the woman to leave with the pig before the flight departed. Some people aboard the plane thought the woman was carrying a large duffle bag over her shoulder. "But it turns out it wasn't a duffel bag. We...