Emotional support animals: has America's 'epidemic' gone too far?

[@dunningkruger3774]

My wife tried to classify me as an emotional support animal....to get lower airline fees. It almost worked, but I couldn't fit under the seat in front of her.

[@KeeperOfKeys22]

I was really depressed but then your comment made me laugh. Thank you!

[@rebeccashields7272]

LMAO!!🤣

[@Dark__Matter]

You just made my day...

[@joshc441]

Best comment ever. 😂😂😂

[@blindcharo8455]

Just practice some yoga and I bet you’ll be able to fit next time:)

[@Ilove_drpepper]

Emotional support animals are NOT service animals! They are not trained, they are just emotional support.

[@arukakirigiri5055]

So a pet then

[@annlonsdale9396]

mines trained thankfully🤣🤣by me

[@arukakirigiri5055]

@@annlonsdale9396 not as properly trained as mine. My dog does my taxes.

[@Tb0n3]

​@@annlonsdale9396 Did you spend over a year of intensive training and $40,000? No? Then it's not a service animal in the same way as those legally protected are.

[@Ausgar-yc1yl]

​@@Tb0n3When you teain your own service dog it does not cost 40 thousand.

[@13MrMusic]

I can understand having a domestic animal as an emotional support animal, what I think is wrong is having a wild animal at home. You may feel sad and depressed and wanting to overcome it but not at the expense of an inocent animal.

[@havenbastion]

Domesticated animals typically have a vastly kinder life than they would in the wild. And it appears the evidence is mounting that just about any kind of animal can be safe if they're treated correctly from a young age.

[@alexmcmunn9390]

I agree but depression is not a feeling it is a chronic depletion in positive hormones like dopamine and serotonin not just a feeling.

[@ManoredRed]

It depends on the wild animal and treatment for me. Some animals lend themselves to captivity and contact with humans better than others. That being said, I don't know why people feel attracted to wild animals when dogs and cats are much easier to take care of. I guess there's an argument to be made for reptiles since the're fairly low-maintenance and largely emotionless animals.

[@XxAquacynderxX]

You are sick and disgusting

[@EARTHGROWNGECKO]

The alligator was rescued. So at the same time they helped each other.

[@19katsandcounting]

Gator 🐊 aid ⛑

[@darroncarter]

Win

[@triplucid3563]

It looked sorta female like

[@warrentaylor8428]

MOL (Meowing Out Loud)!

[@dogie1070]

I do not want to sit next to an alligator 🐊 😣

[@ksportz66]

Heidi M - Croc of sh*t

[@MsLunaWica]

When I heard about the guy who registered a "hive of bees" as a ESA I couldn't quit laughing!!!!! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@OlviMasta77]

emo support bees! yaaas queen bee.. yaaas!

[@davidsquires2363]

I had bees too until I had a bad case of hives.

[@michah321]

that's hilarious... it really is. 🤣🤣🤣

[@chanellemulan8004]

Are you serious 😭😭😭😭😭

[@MsLunaWica]

@@chanellemulan8004 yes

[@blindpaws2027]

Let's just get one thing straight no matter what kind of animal it is ESA's are not allowed everywhere read the law.

[@Lurch4302]

Amen

[@mjdxp5688]

You shouldn't get an ESA just so you can take your pet everywhere with you.

[@mjdxp5688]

@peacenow42 YW!!!

[@xBloodxFangx]

ESA can be very beneficial and can be exotic or more traditional animals. My sand boa is a great ESA, however that does NOT mean she has the same rights as my actual service dog. They both have different jobs, and by law, an ESA is not required to know specific tasks or skills to aid their handler, they are also NOT permitted in public and can be asked to leave and are not permitted on buses, ubers or other public transportation. Whereas a service dog has to be allowed access to wherever the handler is allowed. They are trained in specific tasks to help make life and being in public easier. Example: my snake can help calm me down and be therapeutic to help with anxiety and depression when at home BUT my service dog can actually stop or aid in a big panic attack when out in public or at home and can actually go get help or help me in turn. Thats the difference, and most pet owners just want to being their animals in public and say “oh its an ESA” hell after meeting my dog, someone said “Im gonna make my dog a service dog so he can just come with me everywhere.” Ok you do that... and make my life harder who actually has a real service dog.

[@lovethat3777]

@@chownful why would you say that they said nothing wrong

[@chownful]

@@lovethat3777 Go look into furries and their sexual degeneracy. It is horrifying.

[@lovethat3777]

@@chownful the comment said nothing sexual at all

[@chownful]

@@lovethat3777 not yet...not yet

[@Dimitri88888888]

@@chownful ... why...

[@jerrytanner5604]

Exotic animals should never be ESA classified.....

[@tmapaman7080]

gator ain't exotic if you live in florida YEE YEE

[@heidihughes7013]

@@tmapaman7080 actually yes they are still considered exotic. And yes I live in Fl.

[@DreamstartheWarrior]

Real service dogs don’t bite.

[@tmapaman7080]

they don't bite until some nimwit doesn't know how to hold a dog

[@hannahherrmann4921]

@First Last true, but he did say *service dogs* had snapped at his alligator. He was wrong about that.

[@susie.goodwin1356]

They just had a report of a service dog that bit a person who didn't ask the handler if they could pet the dog... Even as a big red badge on the dog's vest said "Don't PET me!"

[@janesawyer3495]

@@susie.goodwin1356 But a service dog is still not supposed to bite, under ANY circumstances. A true service dog has low reactivity, and high trainability. It's the reason most professional service dog trainers prefer certain breeds like retrievers. And even within the correct breed, only around 10% are considered suitable for service training.

[@hydroboostoxiaction6271]

The man with the alligator is a very strong man for changing his life like that. Someone who can change their whole life that way is incredible

[@Letmebe_2363]

Yeah, too bad it was too late for the man he paralyzed....

[@nintendoconvert4045]

He’s a monster.

[@farouk7336]

I’m sorry I just couldn’t watch anymore after hearing the word Paraplegic! The pain you feel is just Sir, and it’s still not about you. You should be caring for the needs of the Man you left paralyzed for the rest of his life.

[@didtydobble5446]

I had no sympathy for him after hearing what he did. How is he not in jail?

[@kane4013]

@@didtydobble5446 True, that alligator is closer to human than he is.

[@RAEalityTV]

I was very confused, I had to rewind and play it again. How is he a free man? …sigh, the privilege of it all

[@3PointBeats]

It doesn’t make much sense to have an ESA that could very easily hurt or kill you and/or someone else. Dogs, goats cats, rodents and other more traditional pets are perfectly reasonable and there isn’t a problem with it - just let people have pets/friends it’s not a big deal. An Alligator is an obvious issue

[@CharalamposKoundourakis]

Indeed, especially when it gets bigger. But it shouldn't be just taken from the guy.

[@CharalamposKoundourakis]

@@commondognut Could but unlikely. Due to their species being tamed all those years ago it means their behaviour is extremely more predictable than a wild creature.

[@3PointBeats]

Yeah a dog could kill you but it’s unlikely, very rarely do you hear about a dog killing someone and it’s so rare it becomes national news (uk wise) It’s a mute point because most things could kill you, if you don’t take proper care. An alligator is rather difficult to tame and take care of - logic and science both dictate so. Like I said everyone should be allowed pets - give a fuck what your landlord said but as soon as it becomes cruel (like holding an alligator is a very unnatural habitat) it also becomes dangerous. Side note - New York has a huge problem with alligators and crocodiles trapped in sewers after untrained pet owners disposed of them improperly when they realised how big a fucking scary they are. It’s practically a dinosaur.

[@CharalamposKoundourakis]

@@commondognut Unlikely.

[@commondognut]

Charalampos Koundourakis ok know it all

[@youarenowawarepodcast8896]

I know this is bad but Wally is actually kinda adorable. I'm not getting an alligator or anything but he's actually kinda cute.

[@susie.goodwin1356]

Agreed. He has a rather sweet looking face... If not a derpy smile! 😂😂😂 And I lived in Florida long enough to see PLENTY of gators...👀 Wally is certainly unique!

[@lightningboltt5437]

Hes cute when he isnt 15ft long

[@AquaIllusions]

I actually went and saw Wally last weekend as an outing, I was terrified, I mean, who wouldn't? Lol But, he actually is really a sweet creature and oddly enough I felt calm and he even came up to me and hugged me. I have been not in the best mindset lately and I'm due to have surgery soon (so naturally I'm scared and anxious). I like to think he felt that and picked up on it. It was an encounter I'll never forget. Never in my life would I ever think I'd be thinking a gator could be cute lol.

[@Dennis-nc3vw]

You need to learn more about Wally if you think what this guy is doing is in any way bad.

[@noemibarrios4056]

Ridiculous that man should be in jail for hurting someone

[@johnjrubadub]

How do you know that he did not receive and serve a sentence already? The assault could have been many years ago, he was much younger in the hunting videos.

[@dagger6152]

Are you sped? He’s an old man now That would’ve Probably already happened

[@markc1234golf]

yeah PUNISH HIM !! JUDGE HIM !! He's judging himself already you un empathetic people

[@CatineSkyi]

@SunTai everyone makes mistakes and he truly felt remorseful for what he did. He cannot undo what he did but now, he uses his time to give a little joy to elderly folks in a home. He is making amends to society for what he did. There are some people who hurt others in more horrible ways and never feel wrong or guilty, or get punished for what they did. Give him a break, we all need it some times.

[@amelliamendel2227]

@@markc1234golf empathy, how about the victim!

[@Pilotalphapapa]

This should be considered animal abuse that poor alligator is supposed to be out in the wild with other alligators living free...not being someone’s crutch

[@moonglow1311]

Did you not hear the video? That that poor alligator was rescued from abusive conditions; at least he's in a loving home now!!!!

[@Pilotalphapapa]

@@moonglow1311 apparently you can speak for the alligator??

[@ballinhamster3170]

A P You seem to be claiming to speak for the alligator as well. In any case I doubt he would be able to release it. Animals raised in captivity generally die if you stop caring for them.

[@rosshoyt2030]

@@Pilotalphapapa And so can you?? I think this gator is in much better situation than the vast majority in captivity. Alligators are farmed in horrible conditions, and others in captivity are in bad conditions.

[@Pilotalphapapa]

@@rosshoyt2030 sure you can speak for the alligator as well

[@michaeljenkins7024]

I mean, this issue seems largely to be about how the abuse of the system for registering ESAs affects air travel, which is often fraught enough as it is. Why make a documentary that all but ignores the main bone of contention?

[@michaeljenkins7024]

@Emmy 119 Then how do passengers prove to airlines that their animal is an ESA?

[@michaeljenkins7024]

@Emmy 119 Same deal. Do not these registration sites basically funnel people toward doctors, essentially prepping them with what to say so that they can have their animal classed as an ESA?

[@VoodooV1]

not just airplanes. ESAs are rampant in apartments also. They're clearly just pets, but they buy into the ESA scam to get special consideration when they shouldn't have any.

[@Ausgar-yc1yl]

There us NO such thing as a registered esa.

[@scrimblo3028]

I don’t care if that man regrets paralyzing the victim. “Sorry” won’t fix a broken body.

[@onedo7240]

Lol

[@belieall9974]

who cares about that paraplegic

[@alleycat616]

Would you rather he be un remorseful? I get what he did is awful but at least he has guilt over it and has learned from it. We all make mistakes, not always realizing the full consequences they can have, obviously some more than others. I’m not excusing what he did at all but I’d prefer he feels guilt and remorse over some sociopath who may continue to harm others.

[@attheranch873]

The gator is behaving that way and has a poor appetite and stunted growth because it’s depressed. 😬 The guy is still being selfish by not finding it a more normal life😡

[@AmbyrRavyn]

Your not allowed to put alligators that have been saved back into the wild

[@cocomunga]

It probably was kept in a fish tank by someone who captured or bought him as a baby. It has happened quite a bit. The gator looks healthy to me. It’s not the first time a gator has been docile around humans.

[@Alatreon2435]

@@cocomunga it was rescued from Disneyland or whatever, its safe where it is, far from bratty kids who would try to grab it then die and then have the gator be euthanized

[@janesawyer3495]

Well said. That animal is being abused.

[@ems7623]

Oh boy, someone who thinks he can psychoanalyze an alligator in a news video.

[@MegaJennywren]

Emotional Support Animals dont have public access rights. The ADA says only service animals do.

[@linzwalker436]

I would prefer more limitations on what's allowed as an ESA so the more domestic (small dogs) are allowed in public places. Veterans with PTSD get service dogs but other people with PTSD, anxiety, ADHD/ADD etc have a harder time getting approved for a service dog and depend on an ESA-- which has more limitations in public.

[@Ausgar-yc1yl]

​@@linzwalker436Wrong. Anyone CAN have a service dog for the things you listed, you do not need any drs prescription, just a diagnosed disability. You can train your own service dog.

[@bawonituntun6368]

How awkward we are abusing the animals with the whole “emotional support thing” but at the same we the ones destroying all these animals by global warming, logging, etc.,

[@ems7623]

There's no animal abuse going on here.

[@YA-hm5zy]

Imagine what the people of Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan etc etc etc.. are going through.

[@Pilotalphapapa]

Yo Afinio they are mentally tough nothing like these snow flakes

[@Pilotalphapapa]

Ligeia D.Aurevilly therefore you are not a snow flake

[@RajaRickin]

2:25 so let me get this straight, this guy plays his version of the knockout game, hits somebody so hard their neck breaks and they become a paraplegic- for life. The puncher now gets to enjoy life with his emotional support Alligator

[@Alatreon2435]

well, some people did bad things and when they died everyone got mad so

[@belieall9974]

so?

[@izzysmomtattoos8274]

I absolutely dont defend all of this. But I will say this. I was raised on a farm. And had many health problems. They weren't attended to, so i was a sick kid. My parents hated each other and later divorced. I had a lot of farm work, i started doing farm work at age 5. I knew growing up that the animals needed me and i had the pleasure of bonding with some very odd animals. I had emus i adored. I particularly loved the donkeys. And to this day i love chickens. I had amazing bonds with these animals. My animals my childhood okay.

[@upsstc1]

I'm so sick of these people talking about emotional support animals. I see people going into the store because they don't want to leave their animals outside.

[@atchanih]

Yeah, I almost got attacked by my classmate's service dog. I did nothing but walking from front of the class to my seat. Needless to say, I screamed so loud that other people from other classes went out to see me.

[@robertmorris8997]

Not a service dog. They are trained to NOT attack anyone.

[@Ass_of_Amalek]

service dog classification involves testing for non-reactiveness/non-aggression (because the access entitlements can endanger people if the dog isn't well behaved), so that sounds like an emotional support animal.

[@stype8468]

Was the owner a liberal lgbtqxyz with colorful hair , and a nose piercing

[@underdawg47]

This lady moved into our condos with a very aggressive German Shepherd who tries to bite other residents and it seems as if nothing can be done about it because this dog is her Emotional Support Animal. I think ESAs is a big joke. I think too many people pretend to have disabilities just to be allowed to have pets.

[@shaunnarichards2716]

I don't feel like people would do it so often if they were allowed to have pets under reasonable circumstances and not just being expected to pay up to 1000 dollars for pet deposits. Im high functioning autistic with generalized anxiety though so I'm one of the people who actually need and greatly benefit from being able to have an actual legitimate emotional support pet in my cat. Animals do really help some people.

[@veramae4098]

There is no legal protection for ESAs. Call her bluff (and your landlord's ignorance).

[@NickanM]

If her "support" animal is aggressive, report it to the landlord. EVERY TIME. If it starts to get hostile, try to film it. If it bites anyone, call the cops. A support animal are not something untouchable that no one can complain about.

[@johannesswillery7855]

I'm glad that someone who intentionally paralyzed a man gets to have an Emotional Support Animal.

[@vltruan]

Mark Burch I’m wondering why he’s not in jail?

[@somerandommen]

@@vltruan probably went to jail

[@ManoredRed]

He didn't do it intentionally, he intentionally punched/assaulted a man and said man happened to get paralyzed. Violence is unpredictable.

[@vlogo4371]

Okokokokokokokokokok why is that first man not in prison?

[@pinkymcnastystinky3465]

Cuz he’s old and already did time you dense ?

[@ems7623]

He's old. He was young in the photos. He has probably gone to prison, served his time and is now living with the consequences of his earlier actions. I don't understand why this doesn't occur to some people as a possibility.

[@moonglow1311]

I am an animal lover. I also suffer from depression. I can tell you without a doubt; that the worst times of my life is when I didn't have a rescued pet as company. I happen to know, that having an animal expands your life twofold!!

[@CharalamposKoundourakis]

They are a blessing.

[@yarkieee]

When Im having a panic attack, my little parrot helps me get through it. Just having him next to me calms me down.

[@moonglow1311]

@@yarkieee 😃🐦👍🐦

[@user-qr7eb1sf3l]

I was born during a civil war, I’m close with my kids and family, I don’t need pets to deal with my ptsd. We all deal with this differently

[@moonglow1311]

@@user-qr7eb1sf3l Then you are blessed ❗😇

[@butteryfriedwizard2219]

I was in bass pro shop. Someone's ESA pittbull started snarling and lunging at some teenager just standing there while his friend was trying on shoes. ESA animals should not trump a businesses right to serve anyone. (I believe bass pro allows animals regardless though)

[@mjdxp5688]

Animals can definitely help fight depression and anxiety, my pet cat and I are best friends and we spend the whole day together, and it makes the absolutely crushing stress of quarentine less painful. Sure, I've been stuck at home for the past several months, but at least it means I can spend more time petting my kitty friend.

[@suzieque4438]

I think it speaks to how epidemic emotional / mental problems are in America. The chaotic government, financial hardships, cost of housing, medical costs, mass shootings, depression and on and on. Lots to be emotional about. The love for an animal, any animal gives solace and every little bit helps. Unfortunately, there will be some people that take advantage.

[@vianjelos]

Life was harder in the middle ages we actually have it better than most people in history just because its worse than the early 1900s doesnt mean we have the worst lot in life.

[@rellman85]

@@vianjelos you’re right about everything except that life is better, not worse, than the early 1900s. One could argue that things are more challenging today than, let’s say, the mid 1900s... but that’s even debatable, depending on who you are and how your life would have been back then.

[@AntiWoke_Autistic]

Seems to me that if you have anxiety, PTSD, whaterver, that having an ESA would STUNT your ability to heal or effectively manage your condition, because you're relying on something external to get you through that long line at the post office, motor vehicles, or crowds at the mall, etc. I'd be humiliated to ever tell someone that the dog at my side is for "emotional support." I wouldn't want people to think I was mentally frail. I DO suffer from anxiety, insomnia and depression, but HELL if I'm ever going to allow these conditions to defeat me by bringing an animal with me everywhere I go. The best way to develop inner strength and independence is to go it alone without depending on stroking an animal to get you through public places. And by the way, I've had two dogs. They gave me great joy AT HOME. When it was time to go out in public, I simply put on my mental armour.

[@DaniAlexandria]

If you have PTSD or anxiety and you animal is tasked trained its a Service Animal not an ESA. its doesn't stunt because they do tasks to help you in a similar way medication doesn't stunt you it helps

[@ilener1698]

The guy with the alligator said he used to be selfish and everything had to be about him. Umm...not much changed buddy. That guy is still selfish taking a wild animal and forcing it to live it’s life like a domestic animal. What about the well being of that alligator who I imagine would want to mate someday and happily hunt on his own. This guy chose the gator because he knew it will give him attention. He’s a showman at heart and nothing has changed. He’s wants people to notice him, talk to him, make himself popular because he is self centered. It’s always about him. He may love that gator because of what the gator provides him but he sure doesn’t love it enough to keep it outside living the life it supposed to live. Love is self-sacrificing not self-centered.

[@chaytonthompson5928]

It said it was a rescue so ot couldnt live i the wild, as long as all the care requirements are met it literally doesnt care where it lives, and not letting something mate isnt even bad, we fix our dogs and cats all the time

[@sylvie_on]

the problem is he is starving it, alligators should have 3x the amount he feed him every week, not every three months!

[@atchanih]

What concern me is that more and more people turn to animals for emotional support instead of fellow human being. Are we (as a whole society) really that bad towards each other? Are we so ignorant to our family, neighbors and friends that they feel more comfortable to 'talk to' wild animals than to us?

[@sarak6860]

People seem to be getting more and more selfish and narcissistic.

[@Alatreon2435]

well common sense has decreased recently so i'd rather stay with a gator on my property instead of people who could give me a virus

[@tepilahruach802]

Yes, and Yes.

[@alleycat616]

An animal like this won’t reject you, fight with you, break up with you, solely depends on you, and overall lacks the complexities of a human being. They are a safe bet for emotional leaning essentially, so I get that part.

[@stype8468]

@@alleycat616the animal is a victim

[@_Help_Me_Jebus]

In England we call an emotional support animal "a pet", we leave it at home when we go out most places because we're not "wet lettuces" 🙂

[@thewyatt3580]

This... I agree with this.

[@annlonsdale9396]

mine goes with me to the toilet dobies are velcro mines in our bed now witch xx

[@annlonsdale9396]

cabbage sir,?🤣🤣

[@ddivincenzo1194]

Well this is America, ESAs are NOT pets. They are certified like seeing eye dogs. I personally prefer being around these animals over people.

[@clover81]

what you english need is shower support and teeth support!

[@awesomeavenger2810]

Less of an emotional support, more of a way to gain attention

[@abesapien9930]

No, I don't think this is it. Maybe for some, but I think the larger issue is unmanaged anxiety or depression, and I don't see how an animal will ultimately cure that, nor do I see why such an animal needs to go everywhere with the owner, at all times.

[@ems7623]

I don't see that in this video.

[@jeffvalencia7656]

I have an Emotional Support Portuguese Man of War. Who wants to pet it?

[@Sarika38]

😨😂😂😂!

[@panadinho1552]

dam that's niche! Hi from Portugal

[@stephaniemartin-ward4578]

Me, me! I want to pet it!!!

[@jeffvalencia7656]

@@stephaniemartin-ward4578 awesome! okay I'm just gonna need you to sign a waiver first

[@deaded5040]

As someone who personally trained Golden retrievers for this purpose through the E.C.A.D program (look it up if you don't know) these people are not disabled, they are just SERIOUSLY mentally tweaked

[@GalacticPossum]

Service animals are protected by law. It's much more murky when it comes to ESA's, since so many are self-designated, or designated by online "ESA mills" that do no significant assessments.

[@tabytastick]

Which laws?

[@vianjelos]

@@tabytastick ADA(americans with disabilities act)

[@infinitecuriosity9210]

It's total exploitation of the policy and the pet lobby . It ruins it for the people that really need a support animal. People who really need it. Btw animals should be banned from every store. Period, you don't need your dog or whatever with you while you shop it's ridiculous

[@Kibitserr]

tell that to the blind people who have seeing-eye dogs

[@caitlinbelforti870]

I'm so confused as to why the guy with the alligator isn't in jail right now.

[@Mehron74]

I think this gone way to far. I have asked people with emotional support animals, what if I am allergic to your emotional support animal,and what I always get is.... not my problem. Then I say... why would I then care about your fight to have an emotional support animal. Gone way too far.

[@checksandbalances6714]

Mehron74 EXACTLY !!! Especially when they have other options like exercise !!

[@sarak6860]

I believe so, too. There is an aggressive animal in my building, and I can't do anything about it.

[@dorcaswinter8296]

An alligator is a wild animal not a pet that you watch TV with. It’s very admirable that he rescued the gator but he needs to respect that this is truly a wild animal that belongs in a specialised habitat. Also this sounds cruel but I also find it kinda cheeky that the owner started crying and was getting the emotions going (for himself) after HE paralysed SOMEONE else! What about the dude whose live you ruined.

[@ems7623]

You don't seem to recognize the pain of guilt in someone when you see it.

[@escobarito3]

Croc is too much but goats are fine

[@kiwitm2469]

Alligator

[@Sugarsail1]

There's something wrong with a human that "needs" and emotional support animal. Nothing wrong with the animals but the humans are broken or exploitive. We shouldn't coddle these people.

[@brittanyc9397]

EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMALS ARE NOT SERVICE ANIMALS AND ARE NOT ALLOWED IN PUBLIC

[@thzzzt]

I have emotional support bacteria that lives in my nose, and the airlines have never made a fuss about it.

[@Sarika38]

😂😂😂😷

[@michaelpeasah8690]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@seanstrack4022]

one day Wally the alligator is going to get big, and that man is going to start to look pretty tasty. then the alligator is going to be euthanized because it is now a Maneater, the owner of that alligator is very selfish and not very conservationist minded because he is taking a creature that is a opportunistic eater and he's going to give it a bad name cuz of his own ignorance.

[@user-go3jv8rw7i]

sean strack alligators don’t hunt humans

[@chaytonthompson5928]

There are thousands of pet alligators and millions of other large exotic lizards and mammals and dogs still kill more people each year, there are thousands of people that keep atleast 30 reptiles at once and tehy never get killed.

[@heidihughes7013]

@@user-go3jv8rw7i normally they don't. But don't forget this gator now is imprinted with human behaviour and eventually the gator will react in a way that's natural for him. Who's to say the gator won't look at his human as a source of food when oppurtinity presents itself or the man makes a serious mistake. Anything could happen.

[@michah321]

The only problem is I've seen dogs in crowded stores who looked terrified. It might be emotionally supportive for the person, but not for the dog. Some pets are ok, but I could see how frightened the dogs were, and there was a cockatiel in a harness, and the poor thing was terrified, she hid under my desk. I wanted to keep her.

[@linzwalker436]

Better to get an animal that's suits the role and is cool with it

[@michah321]

@@linzwalker436 exactly. Some dogs are really comfortable with people and in crowds. That's much better. I did see an emotional support baby miniature goat who was super happy with people, made everyone emotionally joyful and was really well behaved...I'd just worry he'd start nibbling the office furniture or grazing on the carpet if he spent the day ...

[@VoodooV1]

and what cost is this "emotional support" when the animal is clearly disruptive towards other people. apparently the owner is entitled to emotional support, but at the cost of everyone else. Where does it end?

[@michah321]

@@VoodooV1 well the presence of animals doesn't bother me at all. I guess some people don't like animals around. Since there's fewer and fewer of people who don't like animals around, I guess it's considered less often. Most of the time, the presence of an animal makes everyone happier. Unless the pet is distressed.

[@VoodooV1]

@@michah321 here's a tip. it's not about you. It's that same kind of self-centeredness that is the cause of this problem.

[@FlawlessImperfectionBeauty]

To be clear, there is NO legal registration for ESA’s OR Service Dogs! (ESA’s also do not have the same rights as SD’s.)

[@Madronaxyz]

I wonder how many of his hunting dogs lived happy, long lives.

[@charlesj.guiteau3957]

If I become depressed then I want an emotional support Giraffe

[@jussahoeatthegasstation5126]

I just like chickens because I have anxiety and I have never been so calmed by something before

[@oisinm332]

Kentucky fried

[@beth-bi9yv]

I've seen some instances where I'm all for support animals (senior homes) but this is a bit ridiculous. I think he hit it on the head when interviewing the guinea pig girl. We've got it in our head that life should be anxiety free....it's not, and it shouldn't be. Anxiety is part of change, change is needed to grow. These animals seem like crutches....

[@Ass_of_Amalek]

that's hella judgmental

[@havenbastion]

The real problem is that people should be able to have animals for Any reason as long as they're under control and well-treated.

[@sarahgrace6769]

Getting patients in and out the doctor quickly and adding to the opioid epidemic? They don’t prescribe opioids for depression or any other mental health disorder.

[@brontepratt2436]

As someone who genuinely needs and benefits from having an ESA it absolutely infuriates me to see things like this because it makes it so much harder to even get one and ruins it for the people that actually need one

[@NickanM]

100%. I'm bipolar, and these people _RUIN_ everything for us who really can benefit from having a support animal. 😡

[@lawea957]

I much prefer to see a world where half of people walk around with a goat on a leash than one where everyone is cooked on opioids

[@b-mac5011]

Underrated comment goes to

[@FamesHD]

I have a ESA goat, no I’m not depressed or lying. I just really wanted a Goat to live with, I don’t take him anywhere, needed a ESA certificate to beat HOA , I have a huggeeeee backyard, fully fenced as a farm, so rabbits come in and out to play with Jam (yes his name is Jam)

[@sdigf3167]

ESAs are for disabled people, so you ARE lying. You are scamming and you are harming real disabled people. That makes you despicable.

[@oisinm332]

The whole concept of emotional support animals is a joke. These people just need proper therapy not using a peacock or hamster as crutch.

[@tx2128]

I love how this reporter said "controversy"

[@silentthriller]

An alligator is cold and calculating predator, how the fvck is it an emotional support animal.

[@chistinelane]

Because it's not cold and calculating and most people just don't have the slightest clue about how animals are?

[@ajrg91]

Soon, I'm gonna get a rattlesnake as an "emotional support animal."

[@mayc8674]

Yeah i can see how the rattling can be soothing. 😂

[@Ghost-uh9ie]

🤣🤣🤣

[@keldakellie9164]

Not living in America can only comment on the cruelty of animals in this story of being flushed down toilets as going too far.

[@theonetrueking2685]

Nothing wrong with the idea of an ESA - and it's already got a named - it's called a pet. It's made living in apartments very difficult because people with pitbulls are getting around breed restrictions. Ridic.

[@cerysfalmai8644]

Does Wally only get fed two chicks every three months? An alligator of his size is supposed to be fed once or twice a WEEK. Please tell me his owner isn't intentionally underfeeding him so he'll become stunted and always remain a manageable size.

[@lameborghini6980]

Seeing those elderly ladies snuggle with the alligator absolutely melted my heart 🥺 I think nursing homes and assisted living centers need to bring in animals for the residents to interact with. It would be SO beneficial for their health

[@robertmorris8997]

Until it bites their face off.

[@Jillousa]

The dog and the cat that made regular visit centers and home really help my mom's emotional health. The cat was a stray that showed up at the activity director's house and happened to have the perfect temperament to visit the nursing home because his cat would instantly cuddle with anyone.

[@amelliamendel2227]

Wait, he made someone paraplegic and didn't do time for that? They need to take away his alligator and lock him up for a decade or two

[@ems7623]

How did you arrive at that conclusion?

[@mayc8674]

Do i have to register my pen as an emotional support thingy? I just click it open and close, open and close, open and close all through the flight.

[@toast_2375]

Dopamine is a naturally occurring chemical in our bodies, though when it becomes scarce it leads to mental health issues. Periods of grief, regret, guilt, and pain can make it harder for the brain to release the chemical. Clinical ailments also cause this inability. Medication can help, but social creatures are the most beneficial. People with anxiety disorders, especially with social anxiety, find it hard to talk to or confide in others, making pets an easier way to be happier.

[@ems7623]

Obviously, it needs to be regulated to be similar to support animals for the blind. I don't understand why it isn't.

[@Ausgar-yc1yl]

Blind people do not use support animals, support animals are not service animals or guide dogs.

[@jason4275]

*I'm counting down the days, for the Day the Guardian make a video on the guy with the alligator, when the gator eats him.*

[@InsertCleverUsername]

🤞

[@axe2grind911a]

Yep, when that thing gets big enough, he'll take a chunk outta that guy! Look what happened to the "Born Free" lady - her favorite pet lion eventually turned on her and ate her.

[@heidihughes7013]

Yep

[@defendersofhumansandthenat7378]

Selfish. Did you ever stop to think that many people (one in 20) have a crippling fear of dogs? Many more are uncomfortable around dogs. About 15% of the population is allergic to dogs. What makes your comfort more important than theirs? Take an Ativan!

[@sarak6860]

I am afraid of large dogs because I was once attacked and almost killed by one. I am fine with trained service dogs and little dogs.

[@cyberpunk120.]

1st guy talks about how much he love his alligator, proceeds to show the same animal he loves SOOOOOO! dearly lying inches away from a bottle of anti-freeze

[@freyjaseren6915]

That alligator looked really stressed, actually, especially considering the information that it didn't eat well.

[@amac5455]

The problem is not only in teh USA. It is everywhere I think, since we stopped to live in the few generation homes with family suport. We have natural need to share our lives with somebody around.

[@siennacatherine35]

Why is the alligator guy not in prison

[@realnoahsimpson]

wait for it... wait for it... ONLY IN AMERICA

[@moondog7694]

8:17is in Ontario Canada.

[@That_Service_Dog]

There is only way to make an animal an ESA, a letter from your doctor. But they are not permitted any place that pets aren't allowed with the exception of non-pet friendly housing. NO RESTAURANTS or stores that aren't pet friendly. There are no federally recognized registrations. And for service dogs, a well-trained dog will not bite if not provoked and once they do bite then they are no longer protected by the ADA for working out of the house.

[@MrTomtomtest]

Needing an emotional animal to be able to get thru the day doesn't help you on the long term, like drugs. You are gonna make your whole entire life revolve around it instead of working thru your issues. Only time we should use drugs or ESA is in case of severe mental conditions / for old people who aren't gonna be working thru their issues at their age. Of course that would entail having universal healthcare to start with...

[@HarvestingThings]

what's the problem with medication to treat symptoms of mental health conditions , tho?

[@ems7623]

Well, you certainly don't have a degree in clinical psychology, that is for sure.

[@deannawheeler4362]

ESA does NOT MEAN SERVICE!!!!! Service dogs are trained to preform tasks for you, an esa is for you to pet and feel better.

[@ems7623]

I don't think anyone is actually confused about that.

[@Bizarro69]

let's be honest a lot of pet owners are not ok in the head. ironic...

[@laurafoster9442]

Adults who cannot temper their emotions in public should not be in public!

[@tinklvsme]

ADORABLE 100%. The crocodile hugging all the seniors. To the man in love with his goats. Why not? Why is it only dogs?? 👍✌️❤️🙏🦋🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟❤️🐾🐾🇺🇸

[@Ausgar-yc1yl]

Alligator not crocodile.

[@IndigoBellyDance]

Part of the issue is cost of housing. Purchasing a house is not reality for Many hard working professionals. Many places will not allow pets Or charge Crazy pet fees. So you get your pet registered as emotional support animal. U do kit have to pay fees And Landlord Has to allow your pet. This is a Class issue.

[@jarlaxle3588]

Emotional support animals are not "protected by law", only service animals are. It is insane how no one knows this as the ADA provides a set of guidelines to determine if an animal is a service animal. It says that a service animal is any animal trained in specific tasks to help their owner with a disability. It also says that animals whose sole purpose is to provide comfort or emotional support to its owner do not qualify as a service animal. Lastly it specifies that there are no official "certificates" for service animals. A trainer may provide a training certificate but neither it nor any certificates saying an animal is a service animal are backed by or recognized by the government. Admittance to a normally "no animal" area is decided by two things. The first determines if the animal is indeed a service animal. Is the animal trained to perform a specific task to help with a disability? If so it is a service animal. People are allowed to as this question, and also ask what task the animal is trained to perform. The second factor is that a service animal is allowed to go anywhere that the public can go. So for instance, an operating room would be off limits since the public isn't allowed to go there. A library however, is ok since the public is allowed to go there. Since emotional support animals are not service animals though, they do not get the right to go into any place with a "no animals" policy. The ADA guidelines state this very clearly

[@Flaxxseed]

Cant these people just have emotional support people?! and not animals.

[@shanarablue339]

This is being abused, the guy with the gator ?? 🤔 seems like his new way to get attention !! No doctor should legally say does your animal make you feel better, then yeah ESA ?? Exotics should not be part of the ESA , there are types of animal that need to put into the ESA group , and keep it to those animals. And believe me I love animals , we have dogs, horses, cats ,rabbits. Certain animals help by reading you and reflecting emotions , they can work with you to restore your confidence . Not being funny but no gator , or peacock , hamster is going to help you get over your depression. But may help you feel good in other ways , I suffer from depression, my daughter too along with crippling anxiety , her horse has helped immensely but no way. Your taking a big ass horse out to the shops or sitting on a plane with you!! There needs to be limits . I think an elephant would be great they are so on another level, but iam not stupid enough to think it's ok , this will also see a boom in trading of exotics. Can't help think that man is rewarding himself somehow , guilt probably but , not so sure !!

[@chaytonthompson5928]

You cant say you love animals and list off only fuzzy ones.

[@experimenter19]

The guy having an alligator as ESA was reluctant to call it that so it gave him some credibility

[@Jeffery53]

What about taking an emotional support gun everywhere including planes? You may suffer anxiety from a feeling that somebody might try to rob you or harm you. It's only fair.

[@bblu48]

Yes! This stuff is ridiculous!!!

[@IAMCorung]

People are lonely, I get that, but when your emotional problems begin to intrude on others, that's taking it too far. For now, it's tolerated, but when I walk in a Trader Joes sized store and see more than 2 consistently I'm going to get perturbed. I'm not an animal lover and feel that if you are, you need to associate and stay with others who are. I'm cool with animals. I just don't think they have a place in restaurants or supermarkets unless it's a seeing eye dog. I won't date a woman who always has her hands on an animal. If I ever see a woman with cat fur on her clothes or see her kiss an animal or let it lick her face, I'm out of there because I don't want her cheek next to mine or kissing/touching me next. That's just dirty and nasty. If a growing number of people can't shop without a pet, they will need to develop stores that cater to special needs people.

[@loudmindpro8864]

The look of pleasure on Bill's face as he says "Absolutely yeah" is priceless

[@markarmstrong3394]

Wait so this guy broke someone's neck and destroyed their life and no prison time ??

[@sandraalegria3439]

The quality of life improves for anyone who suffers from anxiety.

[@VoodooV1]

that's nice, none of that necessitates bringing your PETS on airlines or in apartments that are clearly no pets allowed

[@eldesgraciado6690]

It's crazy people that cannot function if they don't have the dog around, but then we have LIARS who just want the dog around and get an ESA certification anyway.

[@IndyStry]

T.Rex watching this alligator: This is not how we raised you. :D

[@IANinALTONA]

Jenna Loks like her emotional support animal is food.

[@kathleen2080]

The man who assaulted and paralyzed another man was not sent to prison? 🤨