Most people become aware of service animals through seeing eye dogs for the visually impaired, but therapy and service animals can come in a variety of species.
I once read that alpacas are used in hospitals and retirements homes to bring comfort to the patients, and I've also read about therapy cats, miniature horses, rabbits, and — obviously — other puppies.
Too often, businesses aren't aware that ADA-approved service animals are allowed into private businesses, including restaurants, provided that the animal is registered as "service" animal and not just an emotional support animal. For the animal to be a service animal, it must be individually trained to do work or perform tasks that benefit an individual with a disability, including physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disabilities.
Emotional support animals are not as strongly protected by these laws, but many states do allow their owners to bring them into private businesses.
Recently, a woman suffering from cancer brought her pet into a McDonald's, but was kicked out, despite her claims that the animal was recommended by a doctor.
It's a story that happens too often, but what makes this story interesting is that this is not a service animal you usually see…
Read on and let us know in the comments if you think the woman had the right to bring this animal into a McDonald's or not. Please SHARE your thoughts on this issue with your friends!
h/t: The Beaver Dam Daily Citizen
McDonald's Photo Credit: ThinkStock/mikeinlondon
Diane Moyer of Beaver Dam, WI recently brought her baby kangaroo, Jimmy, into a McDonald's. After being diagnosed with cancer, her doctor (who she has declined to name to the press) gave her papers authorizing the kangaroo as a support animal. A concerned customer saw the kangaroo — who was wrapped in a blanket and held in an infant's car seat — and called the police, claiming the kangaroo was a danger to the restaurant. Diana admits she wishes the customer had just said something to her in person.
Beaver Dam Police Officer Rich Dahl responded to the call and asked Diane and her kangaroo to leave. Diane initially protested, saying that she's never had a problem bringing her kangaroo (one of five she owns) into the McDonald's or any other town establishment. She states that people usually love her kangaroos and this has never been an issue.
She allegedly produced a letter from her doctor claiming that the animal was an emotional support animal, but the officer still forced her to leave the McDonald's. Diane and her husband, Larry, are confused by the incident and do not understand how the baby kangaroo could have possibly posed a threat.
McDonald's released a statement saying, "Our policy is to make our restaurants accessible to all customers, including those with disabilities and special needs, in compliance with all laws and regulations."
Some people have spoken out, saying that this woman deserves to bring her emotional support animal in public, while others have said that it discredits the work of service animals. What's your opinion?
Please watch the news report below and please SHARE!
