by Jim O’Connor
Two problems:
1. Business owners do not understand the law.
2. People exploit the loopholes.
The law is purposefully poorly written as to allow maximum accommodation. All a person needs to do is say that the dog is a service animal and say what function the dog provides. This needs to change. There is no recourse if an individual lies. IIRC even law enforcement can not verify if in fact a dog is a service animal. Those with disabilities that need a handicap placard are required to do two things. First: Display a placard or have a special plate identifying their vehicle.
Second: Carry identification stating they are entitled to the parking privileges. I believe only law enforcement can request to see this card.
There is no reason a similar approach can not be used with service animal. Unfortunately this is a federal ADA issue and likely not to happen.
If I was a business owner I would train my staff to ask the two questions. Regardless of how accurately the customer answerd I would permit the animal. The liability of denying service is too great to risk.
Businesses need to be aware that this only applies to dogs (and miniature horses) It’s my understand that only those animals can be considered service animals under the ADA. Everything else is a comfort animal. That being said, if reasonable I would allow a comfort animal to stay provided it wasn’t a nuisance. I’d much rather get the ire of the health department than a frivolous lawsuit because of the comfort animal.
Just my long winded two cents.
If somebody sits next to me in a restaurant with an animal that is clearly not needed for sight or another physical handicap, and I can’t be given another table, I will leave without paying and inform the manager of this on my way out the door. Other patrons’ needs must be considered as well. Anybody who can’t go out to lunch without their monkey can eat their bananas at home.
You should educate yourself about PTSD and the benefits service animals provide to those that suffer from this debilitating condition.
I need my snowflake emotional crutch to exist in the world.
You should be thankful that you do not suffer from any mental health issues. Go visit a veterans hospital or talk to a 9/11 first responder. It might give you be new perspective on people you so callously refer to as snowflakes. Try empathy for a change.
empathy is one thing… support ostritches are another.
Poking fun at people who suffer from mental disorders like PTSD and anxiety, is not empathy. It’s bullying and coming from someone who I would assume is an adult, it’s pitiful.