Free Republic

A man has been banned from all Buc-ee’s locations for life after bringing his “service duck” along for a jaunt around the store. Circus performer Justin Wood and his online celebrity duck Wrinkle filmed their latest adventure at the world’s largest Buc-ee’s in Sevierville, Tennessee. A circus performer captured a video of the moments when he was allegedly banned from Buc-ee's for life for bringing his service duck inside. The duo were allowed to go on their way once Wood presents IDs proving Wrinkle is a service animal, but shortly after another employee approaches. “Even if it’s considered a service...

It’s the supermarket showdown that we’ve all been waiting for: grocery shoppers versus pets in shopping carts.... Publix Supermarkets Inc. appeared to set up this battle royale when over the weekend various news outlets reported the venerable chain was finally laying down the law with regard to service animals in their stores. Publix has posted new warnings signs at store entrances and exits telling customers which service animals are permitted in the store and where they can be. “For food safety reasons, only service animals that are specifically trained to aid a person with disabilities are permitted within the store....

Paid-for "certification" of service animals — bought online or anywhere else — never passed the smell test, and now it doesn't pass the legal test in Oklahoma. Deanna Fields, executive director of the Manufactured Housing Association of Oklahoma, brought a new law to my attention after I'd reported difficulties surrounding service animals, federal fair housing law and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Gov. Mary Fallin signed H.B. 3282 May 1. It goes into effect Nov. 1. The law, by Rep. Chris Kannady, R-Oklahoma City, and Sen. Kim David, R-Porter, has received no media attention, despite recent violent dog attacks and...

Facebook Twitter Email Print Save PHOENIX — A Senate panel voted Wednesday to make it illegal for people to bring their pets into restaurants and grocery stores under claims they are "service animals.'' SB 1040 would allow a judge to impose a $250 fine on errant owners. But even Sen. John Kavanagh, R-Fountain Hills, who crafted the legislation, acknowledged the measure has no real teeth, given the restrictions of what business owners can ask patrons under federal disability laws. He said those who want to break the law are likely to ignore the signs that business owners might erect informing...

Neither the vest from the accredited training program nor the certificate are required under the ADA. The ADA says anyone can train their dog, or miniature horse, to perform a task that mitigates or helps them with their disability. Professional training is not required. ADA also specifically prohibits cities, merchants and others from requiring proof that a dog is a service dog. It allows, in fact, only two questions. Is the dog a service animal required because of a disability? What work or task has the dog been trained to perform? Service dog owners may not be asked about the...

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Several combat veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder were denied access to a Veterans Affairs outpatient clinic in Viera because their service dogs apparently didn’t have the proper paperwork. The vets were rebuffed by security officers. But when they refused to leave the situation nearly spiraled out of control. Rory Dobis, founder of Paws 4 Boots, told Watchdog.org that he was attempting to assist several veterans in acclimating their dogs to the VA facility where they regularly come to receive physical and mental health treatment.

There are Labradoodles in the produce aisle. There's a little Australian terrier sniffing the potato chips. Yes, there are dogs in the supermarket, particularly in San Francisco. And God help us, one of these days there may be a miniature pony in the checkout line. Seriously. And it's all perfectly legal. Or imperfectly legal, depending on whom you ask. Technically, these are service animals. But the technicality is starting to drive customers, supermarket owners and animal control officials around the bend. "This service animal thing is getting a little out of control," said Vicky Guldbech, captain of San Francisco's Department...

A tribute to the more than 300 search and rescue dogs that helped in the rescue effort at the World Trade Center after terrorists attacked on September 11, 2001.

SPRINGFIELD, Mo.- A Missouri woman whose monkey was denied status as a service animal said having to leave the pet at home will restrict her activities. Debby Rose of Springfield said a federal judge rejected her lawsuit against the Springfield-Greene County Health Department, CoxHealth and Wal-Mart East for failing to recognize her Bonnet Macaque monkey, Richard, as a service animal, The (Springfield, Mo.) News-Leader reported Friday. "It's devastating; it's devastating," said Rose, who purchased the monkey in 2004. "I feel like I'm discriminated against in Greene County. What can I say?" Rose said in her suit that she suffers from...

Trained for 2 Years, Retriever Helps Mr. Montalvan Get Back on His Feet NEW YORK -- Like any other golden retriever seeking a treat, Tuesday nudged his owner's hand with his snout one recent morning and waited expectantly. Luis Carlos Montalvan got up from a chair in his small Brooklyn apartment and walked to the kitchen. Tuesday followed close behind, eyes fixed on a white cabinet. The retriever sat alertly as Mr. Montalvan, an Iraq war veteran with severe post-traumatic stress disorder, reached for a vial of pills, lined a half-dozen on the table and took them one by one....