Animals in Public Spaces

Jules

Jules

SF VIP
How do you feel about animals in public spaces.

Restaurants? Restaurant patios? Wandering through the mall? Through the stores? Even in dog parks?

Rules/bylaws seem not to apply to some people. Stick a purchased “Service Dog” on Fido and all is good and he can go anywhere.
 

If a dog looks like a service dog then I only have the problem of exercising self-discipline to respect that the dog is working and not try to pet it.

If it doesn't really look/act like a service dog, then I wish there would be some sort of rule that the dog or person has to wear an official indicator.

In my senior community a lot of people have pet dogs, they have to keep them on a leash. Lots of times I get to pet and hug them. They aren't allowed to come through the building lobby unless it is late at night (they have to go in/out through the parking level), and they have to take just one particular elevator (unless it is reserved for someone moving in/out). Everyone seems happy with the rules.

Once there was a poll asking us if we were ok with them using the door from my floor (accesses stairs outside) and I guess we all said yes because they use that door a lot now (which gives me extra opportunities to pet and hug dogs).
 
I am all for legitimate service dogs but, unless we’re talking a trip to McDonalds for dog burgers, everyone else needs to keep their dogs at home. —- NOT locked in the car with a window rolled down two inches - at home.

I see a lot of people abusing the “animal is my therapy and I must carry it with me at all times.“ Unless these dogs are well trained or in training by a responsible adult, they can create a lot of havoc — I have witnessed it a few times in Walmart———
 

Yesterday we went to a large store that has security at the doors to stop people entering with large bags or backpacks. They need to set some rules about dogs and enforce them. There was one younger woman with a medium sized untrained dog on a lead. Her instructions were things like be a good dog, which it didn’t have a clue what she meant. It wasn’t wearing a pretend service vest either.

Even more frustrating was the couple and their kids with their unleashed German Shepherd that was running up and down the aisles.

Tomorrow I’m going to try to contact the manager, now that I’ve grumbled to you guys.
 
Ohio has a section (Rule 3344-79-02 / Service animals), but it states that you cannot require documentation or make any inquires, such as proof that the animal has been certified, trained or licensed as a service animal. It also doesn't say what can or can't be a service animal.

There needs to be a clear cut set of regulations to clarify things that would be recognized nationwide. Right now, anyone can slap a tag or vest on an animal & it has to be accepted if they say it's a service animal. This is being abused by too many people.

I don't like regulations, but something needs to state exactly what type/breed can be a service animal, specifically a dog. These dogs should be trained to perform the task that is needed & be able to pass tests to be certified & accredited. It can be by a professional trainer or an amateur trainer, just as long as the dog has been trained & do the work to pass.

Once the dog has passed the certification test, it needs to be given specific vest that it has to wear in public along with a photo ID of the dog & the person who it was intended for. It doesn't need to go into medical history, but it needs to be able to be verified so no one has problems.

I remember a woman who made the news that took her dog to a fall festival & was told to leave because her dog had tried to bite people & attack the small farm animals on display. She made claims that it was "service animal", but the number of complaints over rode her claims & she was escorted off the property. She tried to cause more problems for the people at the festival, but she got no where with it.

Does anyone remember the woman who tired to take her pet peacock on a plane a while back? I also believe someone tried to claim that a miniature pony had to fly with them. Both were claimed to be service animals that they couldn't be without.
 
I'm beginning to see more and more 'service' dogs out with their owners. But, there's never been a problem with them running loose or behaving badly. Actually, most of them look pretty bored and hungry..lol.
 
Lilac said:
Does anyone remember the woman who tired to take her pet peacock on a plane a while back? I also believe someone tried to claim that a miniature pony had to fly with them. Both were claimed to be service animals that they couldn't be without.
Click to expand...
Oh, yes, I can't forget that....it was here at the Orlando airport. What it came down to was nothing more than a publicity stunt for her business, which was photographing nude people with her peacock. She knew she wasn't going to get on a plane with that peacock, but it sure got her a LOT of publicity.
 
Jules said:
How do you feel about animals in public spaces.

Restaurants? Restaurant patios? Wandering through the mall? Through the stores? Even in dog parks?

Rules/bylaws seem not to apply to some people. Stick a purchased “Service Dog” on Fido and all is good and he can go anywhere.
Click to expand...

I don't see a lot of dogs inside stores etc here - now and then a service dog - and dogs like guide dogs and medically needed service dogs can legally go anywhere and I have never encountered one which is not well behaved or which caused any issues whatsoever.

Alfresco areas of cafes - yes. Have taken my dog to them as well as wandering through outside malls. She is well behaved and have not had any problems with that.

Dog parks - well, obviously, that is what they are for, can't imagine anyone would object to that. If you don't have a dog why would you even go in one?
 

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