COLUMBIA, Miss. (WDAM) – Many folks rely on service animals to live safer and more independent lives, but Carlyn White said she didn’t know this would stop her and her family from enjoying a meal at one local restaurant.
White is legally blind and relies on her service dog, Kuzco, to help her navigate the world.
She said this caused an issue last week when her family was told they couldn’t enter a restaurant with Kuzco.
“We start trying to explain that he’s a service dog,” said White. “You can’t deny him, it’s illegal. She is immediately rude and says, ‘No dogs, it doesn’t matter.’”
After her first phone call, White said she called and talked to the owner.
“He goes, ‘Come get you a take-out plate and take your a– to the yard and eat with your dog,’” said White.
White argues that this violates rules set by the Americans with Disabilities Act, which requires that most public facilities, including restaurants, allow service animals to accompany their owners.
Alison Patrolia with Hub City Service Dogs said the dogs can only be asked to leave if they’re out of control.
“Barking a lot, growling or if they were being more of a nuisance in the public space,” said Patrolia.
The federal law also limits what establishments can ask folks about their disability or their service dog.
“The first is ‘Is this a service dog?,’” Patrolia said. “The second is ‘What task does the dog perform you?’”
White has filed a complaint with the Department of Justice against the restaurant and said she understands that some folks might be uncomfortable around dogs.
But Jane Walton with Disability Rights Mississippi said this isn’t an excuse for bad treatment.
“These are animals that are on the clock,” said Walton. “They’re working to assist the person they’re with and these dogs are highly trained, so they’re not going to be doing anything like that.”
The ADA complaint carries a fine of up to $500, but White just wants folks to take a second and think.
“He could’ve muted the phone, searched on Google and he would’ve got the answer immediately,” White said.
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