[HumanSer] service Animals & Involuntary Hospitalization

[marion.gwizdala at verizon.net]

Dear All,

 

                Advocates for Service Animal Partners (ASAP) has been asked
to develop model service animal policies concerning involuntary
hospitalization for law enforcement agencies. I have my opinion; however, my
opinion is irrelevant since I am not an attorney, a licensed mental health
professional, a law enforcement officer, nor have ever been involuntarily
hospitalized. My question concerns how you believe law enforcement officers
who are detaining a disabled individual who has a service dog for
involuntary hospitalization should deal with the dog. The policy so far is
that anyone with a service dog who is taken into custody is given the option
of either having a responsible person of their choice take possession of the
dog or, if no such person can be identified, the individual is notified that
the dog will be housed at the closest animal shelter, veterinarian, or
animal boarding facility at the detainees cost. Service animals are
generally allowed in hospital settings; however, the extenuating
circumstances of the involuntary hospitalization may be outside the
generally accepted practice the implementing regulations cover.

 

                If you respond, I would like to know your credentials, your
experience with involuntary hospitalization, and your experience with
service dogs. If you would rather reply to this message off-list, please
send your message to

 

Advocacy411 at gmail.com <mailto:Advocacy411 at gmail.com> 

 

For more information about Advocates for Service Animal Partners (ASAP),
please visit our website

 

ServiceAnimals.info

 

With warm regards,

Marion Gwizdala