The conversation surrounding animals on aircraft is once again in the forefront after an emotional support dog bit an Envoy Air flight attendant early last week.

According to reporting by CNN, an American Airlines partner-operated flight originating in Dallas (DFW) was the scene of the bite. The flight was en route to Greensboro (GSO), North Carolina.

Upon landing in Greensboro, medical personnel took a look at the injury and cleared the attendant to return to Dallas. Once back in Dallas, the attendant received five stitches for the injury.

Last year, thousands signed a petition when airlines moved to restrict pit bulls from flying. Earlier this year, American Airlines updated its own policy changes regarding service and emotional support animals. Starting April 1, traditional service animals included dogs, cats and miniature horses. Emotional support animals were restricted to dogs and cats. American Airlines did not release the breed of the dog in question.

The Association of Flight Attendants released a statement calling for the Department of Transportation to take action. “What happened on yesterday’s American Airlines flight is completely unacceptable and inexcusable. For years, AFA has supported the role trained animals can provide to passengers in the cabin, but we have also called for action in regards to setting standards for emotional support animals. We need the Department of Transportation to take action now, so events like the one that happened yesterday do not continue to occur on our planes. This is fundamentally about maintaining safety, health and security for passengers and crew, while ensuring accessibility for those who need it.”

The DOT did not release a statement regarding the incident on its website. Under the Air Carrier Access Act, service animals are defined as animals trained to provide assistance to a person with a disability. The DOT’s guidelines for animals allowed are more open than many airlines, but does note many service animals are dogs and cats.

What steps do you want to see taken to ensure the safety of flight attendants and passengers alike? Do you fly with service animals or emotional support animals? Tell us. Email us at letters@globaltravelerusa.com. Please include your full name and location.