Saturday, April 19, 2008

service dogs in no pets associations

I was recently asked if service (or assistant) dogs are allowed in an association that does not allow pets. What is the answer? Are there any state or federal laws on this?

Tom

Posted by tom marcella at 4/19/2008 10:42:00 PM

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6 comments:

Anonymous said...

760 (9)(b)Florida Statutes (Discrimination includes)
A refusal to make reasonable accommodations in rules, policies, practices, or services, when such accommodations may be necessary to afford such person equal opportunity to use and enjoy a dwelling.

The refusal by an association to permit specially trained service animals to occupy or visit a unit constitutes unlawful discrimination regardless of the recorded pet restrictions (condo documents)which may prohibit such animals.

Apr 20, 2008, 11:12:00 AM
elaineb said...

Of course service dogs are allowed. A few years ago I saw a disgraceful display of ignorance and nastiness at the Hasting pool. A blind lady was using the pool and her service dog lay watchfully at the side of the pool. Some ignorant authoritarian (IA) stood on the side of the pool berating her and yelling that she and the dog should be put off the property etc. vicious, beyond rude, unbelievable behavior. I was stunned and unprepared, the guard came out and tried to reason with the IA. Eventually the IA sat down. Upon reflection I believe the guard should have banned the IA from the pool, the blind lady must have been scarred for life by such a tirade. All our apologies to her.

Apr 22, 2008, 1:00:00 PM
Anonymous said...

Dear Elaine,Your post is not correct. The dog was IN the pool for a period of time.

Apr 22, 2008, 5:15:00 PM
elaineb said...

Not while I was there and not while the IA was yelling. It was not wet either, because I petted the service animal.

Apr 22, 2008, 8:09:00 PM
elaineb said...

I do remember a 'discussion' whether the animal's paw had been on the inside ledge of the pool, probably in 1/4" water, and whether that constitutes 'in the pool'. All in all a matter for the guard and compassion.
(I am not one of the pro dog contingent. I moved here because I am rabidly anti-dog and untrained owners.)

Apr 22, 2008, 8:34:00 PM
Topper said...

That is disgusting that someone would yell at a blind lady with a service dog sitting watchfully at her side. I am not one to pick a fight, but I think I would have been out of my chair yelling at the nasty person if I had witnessed it! Elaine, you must have been in shock.
chris

Apr 22, 2008, 10:51:00 PM

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