Too many break ‘service dog’ law

The Americans with Disabilities Act is being severely abused and ignored by people who simply don’t want to leave Fido at home! It’s all too easy to bring their dog into stores, markets or where ever, by just claiming “service dog!”

I’ve seen puppies being carried in a child’s arms, not even six months old and when challenged, mom and dad boldly lie! They get a snotty look on their face and boldly state, “It’s a service dog and you can’t say anything!” (Good example to show your kids, lying to get your way) Another favorite is, “comfort dog,” which for the uninformed, does not qualify under the ADA. People bring any old dog into Costco, some not even leash trained, yet the “service dog” claim keeps managers and employees from enforcing a federal law! The abusers have made store owners, employees and managers tremble with fear over a disgruntled customer or a call from the big boss … or “I’ll sue you!”

A service dog has to be carried or on a leash, not in the shopping cart where you put food! The only questions allowed to be asked are 1. “Is this a service dog?” 2. “What service does it perform?” Examples, “It alerts me to my blood sugar”; “It picks up things that I can’t” and “It alerts me to an oncoming seizure.”

These highly trained animals provide an invaluable resource for their owners, too bad that selfish, ignorant people make it harder on those with the actual need of these dogs. Shame on you for your lies! Leave your pet at home!

Terry Morris

Lake Stevens

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Opinion

RGB version
Editorial cartoons for Monday, March 18

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Carson gets a chance to sound the horn in an Everett Fire Department engine with the help of captain Jason Brock during a surprise Make-A-Wish sendoff Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, at Thornton A. Sullivan Park in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Editorial: Everett voters will set course for city finances

This fall and in coming years, they will be asked how to fund and support the services they use.

Devotees of TikTok, Mona Swain, center, and her sister, Rachel Swain, right, both of Atlanta, monitor voting at the Capitol in Washington, as the House passed a bill that would lead to a nationwide ban of the popular video app if its China-based owner doesn't sell, Wednesday, March 13, 2024. Lawmakers contend the app's owner, ByteDance, is beholden to the Chinese government, which could demand access to the data of TikTok's consumers in the U.S. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
Editorial: Forced sale of TikTok ignores network of problems

The removal of a Chinese company would still leave concerns for data privacy and the content on apps.

Rep. Strom Peterson, D-Edmonds, watches the State of the State speech by Gov. Jay Inslee on the second day of the legislative session at the Washington state Capitol, Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024, in Olympia, Wash. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Editorial: Legislature has its own production of ‘The Holdovers’

What state lawmakers left behind in good ideas that should get more attention and passage next year.

Comment: Measles outbreaks show importance of MMR vaccinations

The highly contagious disease requires a 95 percent vaccination rate to limit the spread of outbreaks.

Harrop: Should ‘affordable’ come at cost of quality of living?

As states push their cities to ignore zoning rules, the YIMBYs are covering for developers.

Saunders: Classified document cases show degrees of guilt

President Biden’s age might protect him, but the special prosecutor didn’t exonerate him either.

Comment: Clearing the internet of misinformation, deep fakes

With social networks’ spotty moderation record, users need to identify and call out problems they see.

Eco-Nomics: Price of gas, fossil fuels higher than you think

Greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels force unseen costs in climate disasters, illness and more.

Vote against I-2117 to keep best tool to protect climate

We voters will be offered the opportunity to repeal Washington state’s Climate… Continue reading

Lack of maternal health care raises risks of deadly sepsis

In today’s contentious climate, we often hear political debates about maternal health… Continue reading

Trump’s stance on abortion isn’t moderate; it’s dangerous

Voters deserve to know the facts and the truth about what will… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.