To the Editor:
Is the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 being abused? It is not uncommon today to see people in public places with their animals contrasted to times past whereby it would be rare to be seated in a restaurant next to a table with a patron holding a dog on their lap, or being on a cross country flight with an animal in an enclosure at the foot of the person seated next to you.
Various health and safety regulations forbidding this were, for the most part, strictly enforced. The disability act was a noble piece of legislation designed to provide rights for those less fortunate than most of us that are able to function without special aids or privilege.
However, as with other well-intentioned legislation, there are those that appear to abuse that law. Over the years other legislation has been adopted to supplement the Act of 1990. For instance if one needs the talents of a trained animal to alert them to a medical condition there are provisions for this, but not under the term of “service” animal which is reserved for animals that have passed rigorous tests after lengthy schooling.
The “trained” animal just needs to be taught to perform a certain function. Just by browsing the internet one can find an outlet that, for a fee, will provide the “credentials” necessary to allow you to take your pet along for shopping or dining. You can even purchase a “Working Dog” vest for little Fido.
Court House – 10% to 27% of non citizens are illegally registered to vote and it is projected that 5% to 13% of them will illegally vote in Nov – it is not legal for non-citizens to vote in elections – do you hear…
