I for one will put up as much of a fuss not to sit with animals of any sort near me. When I fly, I plan my time on board to be used for relaxing, working, reading, and eating. I do not appreciate having to be distracted by dogs barking or the smell that some animals emit during that time. If there were ever an emergency situation, I am quite confident that nobody would reach for their carry on baggage to get out of a plane as quickly as possible. I feel very strongly that passengers would clog the aisles in such a situation reaching for their pets, putting human passengers at risk. If the airlines can tell me how my book which I am not allowed to keep on empty seat next to me is a risk during landing, but an animal is not, then MAYBE I will rethink my opinion. __This is the dumbest, most inconsiderate, least respectful policy I have ever seen an airline adopt.