[nagdu] Fake service dogs news story
Marion & Martin
swampfox1833 at verizon.net
Sat Nov 28 17:39:05 UTC 2009
Albert,
I will not actually be going to GDF's campus. I will be doing a
community placement with Mike Gallagher. I will be getting together with
Mike Sargeant this coming week, as he is going to be in Tampa for a few
days.
Mike was my original trainer when he was with the other school here in
Florida. When he left, so did most of the trainers. That school has
floundered ever since they fired him. They have had four or five Executive
Directors since, including the Board member who had always wanted to replace
him. She actually was the shortest lived Director, lasting only about three
months.
You can always give me a call, as I have an "open door" policy with
members. Today (Saturday) I am going to my sister's wedding and tomorrow is
a work day for me. I will be available after about 2:00 pm Sunday or you can
get in touch with me during the day on most weekdays. My number is
813-626-2789. If you get voice mail, please leave a message and the best
time to call.
Fraternally yours,
Marion
You can give
----- Original Message -----
From: "Albert J Rizzi" <albert at myblindspot.org>
To: "'NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users'"
<nagdu at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Saturday, November 28, 2009 11:09 AM
Subject: Re: [nagdu] Fake service dogs news story
> Marion,
>
> When you are here in January, please do reach out to me as I live only to
> close to the foundation. I got doxology from the gdf, and I too feel
> strongly about who they are and what they do. Their recent influx of
> applications from the south east area of our country is due in great part
> to
> mike sergeant having joined the ranks up at the gdf a few years back.
> Mike
> was from the south and started a foundation down that way years ago. He
> is
> a tremendous addition to the organization and the dogs from there are
> wonderful. I would however like to perhaps have a chat with you sometime
> about how we can further the good work of the gdf and how they could
> better
> empower the blind as they help us to move independently through the
> world.
> Peace.
>
> Albert J. Rizzi, M.Ed.
> CEO/Founder
> My Blind Spot, Inc.
> 90 Broad Street - 18th Fl.
> New York, New York 10004
> www.myblindspot.org
> PH: 917-553-0347
> Fax: 212-858-5759
> "The person who says it cannot be done, shouldn't interrupt the one who is
> doing it."
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf
> Of Marion & Martin
> Sent: Saturday, November 28, 2009 10:54 AM
> To: NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users
> Subject: Re: [nagdu] Fake service dogs news story
>
> Cindy,
> Like I said, the Assistant Manager went very quickly from ignorance to
> stupidity! I will let you know if she moves from stupidity to inmate
> sometime in january!
> It's not an inappropriate question to ask about my choice of schools.
> What I will say is that I am getting my next dog from The Guide Dog
> Foundation for the Blind. My choice is based upon their attitude toward
> their blind consumers, their ownership policies - though I hope to enhance
> them - and their provision of community placement. GDF is doing a lot of
> outreach in the southeast and, I am told, during the past year they have
> had
>
> more than 70 applications from Florida.
> My wife, Merry, has also received her first guide dog from GDF after
> having two from another school. She is very happy with Kappie (who she
> calls
>
> "Happy Kappie"). She is a very solid 22-month-old Golden Lab cross with a
> strong pull, a quick pace, and a relaxed disposition!
> I am expecting to train with my new pup in early January. After more
> than a year without a guide dog, I am anxiously awaiting our new addition.
> I
>
> will admit to a bit of ambivalence, as my retired guide is still with us.
> Louiza is relatively healthy for a dog of nearly 13, but she has arthritis
> in her spine that causes weakness in her hind legs and just doesn't want
> to
> work any longer. The emotional issues are more mine, I feel, than hers!
> The
> transition is a little upsetting knowing that she will soon be crossing
> the
> Rainbow Bridge! She is a very dignified, loving dog who served me well!
> Now,
>
> she is content to lay in her "cave" under the dining room table! It will
> be
> difficult when I have to let her go! (tear)
>
> Fraternally yours,
> Marion
>
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Cindy Ray" <cindyray at qwest.net>
> To: "NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users"
> <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
> Sent: Saturday, November 28, 2009 8:46 AM
> Subject: Re: [nagdu] Fake service dogs news story
>
>
>> OMG, that is the craziest thing I ever heard. Well, that may be an
>> exaggeration, but honestly, that is really a bit lame o say to a police
>> officer. How very interesting that is.
>>
>> Marion, where do you get your dogs, or is this an appropriate question?
>>
>> Cindy
>>
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: "Marion & Martin" <swampfox1833 at verizon.net>
>> To: "NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users"
>> <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
>> Sent: Saturday, November 28, 2009 5:37 AM
>> Subject: Re: [nagdu] Fake service dogs news story
>>
>>
>> Albert,
>> I must say that the Assistant Manager of Marble Slab was more stupid
>> than ignorant. When the cops told her of the law, she said in a very
>> self-righteous manner, "I don't care about the law; I am a Christian and
>> I
>> go by God's law!" IMO, this displays her stupidity, as she didn't listen
>> to
>> the cops nor the Master's admonition to "render unto Ceasar"! We will
>> find
>> out in January whether she is stupid or not, as she has not met me. When
>> I
>> get my pup, I will visit the Marble Slab to see if she got the messsage
>> or
>> not! (smile) If not, we will also see if Officer Smalley will really
>> "slap
>> the cuffs on her and order the owner to lock up the store"! (his words)
>> Only
>> time will tell!
>>
>> fraternally yours,
>> Marion
>>
>>
>>
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: "Albert J Rizzi" <albert at myblindspot.org>
>> To: "'NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users'"
>> <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
>> Sent: Friday, November 27, 2009 9:33 PM
>> Subject: Re: [nagdu] Fake service dogs news story
>>
>>
>>> In those instances not just a guide dog could be asked to leave the
>>> premises
>>> in most instances so might people who are acting disruptive and
>>> unrulely.
>>> Legally, no business owner may deny access without just cause as
>>> properly
>>> outlined in your email, unless and until a guide should present a
>>> problem.
>>> I
>>> have never heard that such an animal exists if it had I do not see how
>>> it
>>> could have ever made it through training and into the hands of a
>>> handler.
>>> I am sure that canines who are companions for those of us with anxiety
>>> or
>>> other issues where such a service dog would be necessary would also not
>>> make
>>> it thru training and into the hands of an end user. I stand by my
>>> position
>>> that education is the key. The lessons learned that day at the ice
>>> cream
>>> parlor, although reluctantly and arguably in a pigheaded and ignorant
>>> manner
>>> on the part of those taught by the person herein, was concluded in a
>>> manner
>>> which undoubtedly dispelled and eradicated ignorance even though it took
>>> legal support, patience and an inordinate amount of time. Now that the
>>> ignorance has been eradicated and should the refusal and barring of
>>> entry
>>> to
>>> any service animal continue, then stupidity rules and litigation not
>>> mitigation ensues. I applaud the efforts of Marty that day and wish
>>> more
>>> people were as informed as he was. That is my point precisely. An
>>> educated
>>> and informed consumer is our best customer and advocate.
>>>
>>> Albert J. Rizzi, M.Ed.
>>> CEO/Founder
>>> My Blind Spot, Inc.
>>> 90 Broad Street - 18th Fl.
>>> New York, New York 10004
>>> www.myblindspot.org
>>> PH: 917-553-0347
>>> Fax: 212-858-5759
>>> "The person who says it cannot be done, shouldn't interrupt the one who
>>> is
>>> doing it."
>>>
>>>
>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> From: nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
>>> Behalf
>>> Of Steve Johnson
>>> Sent: Friday, November 27, 2009 6:31 PM
>>> To: NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users
>>> Subject: Re: [nagdu] Fake service dogs news story
>>>
>>> Albert,
>>>
>>> There is actually a right answer here, and that is that we as service
>>> animal
>>>
>>> users have an obligation to uphold our responsibility under these access
>>> laws as previously stated, as outlined in the ADA. The best example is
>>> taken from the ADA Business Briefs on Service Animals which was nicely
>>> stated by Marion a few correspondences back:
>>>
>>> 10. Q. What if a service animal barks or growls at other people, or
>>> otherwise acts out of control?
>>>
>>> A. You may exclude any animal, including a service animal, from your
>>> facility when that animal's behavior poses a direct threat to the health
>>> or
>>> safety of others. For example, any service animal that displays vicious
>>> behavior towards other guests or customers may be excluded. You may not
>>> make assumptions, however, about how a particular animal is likely to
>>> behave
>>>
>>> based on your past experience with other animals. Each situation must
>>> be
>>> considered individually.
>>>
>>> Although a public accommodation may exclude any service animal that is
>>> out
>>> of control, it should give the individual with a disability who uses the
>>> service animal the option of continuing to enjoy its goods and services
>>> without having the service animal on the premises.
>>>
>>> 11. Q. Can I exclude an animal that doesn't really seem dangerous but is
>>> disruptive to my business?
>>>
>>> A. There may be a few circumstances when a public accommodation is not
>>> required to accommodate a service animals - that is, when doing so would
>>> result in a fundamental alteration to the nature of the business.
>>> Generally, this is not likely to occur in restaurants, hotels, retail
>>> stores, theaters, concert halls, and sports facilities. But when it
>>> does,
>>> for example, when a dog barks during a movie, the animal can be
>>> excluded.
>>>
>>> Along with these rights come responsibilities and as long as we
>>> understand
>>> what we need to do from our end, the next steps can be taken. For
>>> instance,
>>>
>>> the situation that Marion worked with Mary on as it was demonstrated
>>> that
>>> she was upholding her responsibilities under the law.
>>>
>>> Steve
>>>
>>> ----- Original Message -----
>>> From: "Albert J Rizzi" <albert at myblindspot.org>
>>> To: "'NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users'"
>>> <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
>>> Sent: Friday, November 27, 2009 4:24 PM
>>> Subject: Re: [nagdu] Fake service dogs news story
>>>
>>>
>>>>I am not sure if there is a right or wrong here when I read what you are
>>>> writing. It is illegal for any business to deny access to legitimate
>>>> service animals. Whether one is a lawyer or not, this is the law plain
>>>> and
>>>> simple. Those not needing a service animal and passing a pet of as one
>>>> are
>>>> in violation of the law and need to be taken to the mat for that
>>>> instance.
>>>
>>>> I
>>>> still feel we as a community are letting others down when we do not
>>>> educate
>>>> the blind on the laws in place, and do not teach in a manner which
>>>> maximizes
>>>> the technological advancements made in recent decades, heck forget
>>>> technology, why is it there is such a low percentage of us who read
>>>> Braille?
>>>> I learned braille as a sighted person because it was an elective in
>>>> college.
>>>> We need to take more ardent steps to educate all our blind members,
>>>> students
>>>> born into blindness or those of us delivered into it for causes either
>>>> medical or traumatic. What good is exercising the law when those it is
>>>> designed to protect and lift up know nothing of them.
>>>> Albert J. Rizzi, M.Ed.
>>>> CEO/Founder
>>>> My Blind Spot, Inc.
>>>> 90 Broad Street - 18th Fl.
>>>> New York, New York 10004
>>>> www.myblindspot.org
>>>> PH: 917-553-0347
>>>> Fax: 212-858-5759
>>>> "The person who says it cannot be done, shouldn't interrupt the one who
>>>> is
>>>> doing it."
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>> From: nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
>>>> Behalf
>>>> Of Marion & Martin
>>>> Sent: Friday, November 27, 2009 12:43 PM
>>>> To: NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users
>>>> Subject: Re: [nagdu] Fake service dogs news story
>>>>
>>>> Albert,
>>>> I know that there are those who will attempt to take advantage of
>>>> the
>>>> laws designed to protect our civil rights to gain privileges to which
>>>> they
>>>> are not privvy. Such individuals are a spur in my side (and other
>>>> areas!)!
>>>
>>>> I
>>>>
>>>> am contacted on a regular basis by businesses asking for my opinion. I
>>>> generally advise them that, first of all, I am not an attorney, so the
>>>> advice I give is only my opinion. It is my opinion, though, that the
>>>> Americans with Disabilities Act and the Department of Justice makes it
>>>> clear
>>>>
>>>> that service animal handlers are required to maintain control over
>>>> their
>>>> animals at all times and to immediately take measures to retain control
>>>> if
>>>> the animal gets out of control. Failure to do so is grounds for an
>>>> entity
>>>> to
>>>>
>>>> deny the disabled person the right to be accompanied by the animal, but
>>>> must
>>>>
>>>> allow the individual access without the presence of the animal.
>>>> This being said, if a person gains access with their pet that is not
>>>> a
>>>> service animal and the animal is not under control, the entity has the
>>>> right
>>>>
>>>> to deny such access. If, on the other hand, a person gains access with
>>>> their
>>>>
>>>> pet and the animal causes no problems, what harm has been done? If you
>>>> were
>>>> the owner of a public accommodation, would it not be better to allow
>>>> access
>>>> to a questionable "service animal" that is well behaved and causes no
>>>> problems than to risk the individual filing a criminal or civil
>>>> complaint
>>>> against you? As the adage says, "It is better to err on the side of
>>>> prudence!" JMHO!
>>>>
>>>> Fraternally yours,
>>>> Marion Gwizdala
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> ----- Original Message -----
>>>> From: "Albert J Rizzi" <albert at myblindspot.org>
>>>> To: "'NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users'"
>>>> <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
>>>> Sent: Wednesday, November 25, 2009 8:35 PM
>>>> Subject: Re: [nagdu] Fake service dogs news story
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>>I suppose you can make an argument for any and all instances where you
>>>>>think
>>>>> your rights are being violated. But as I stated, it seems to me that
>>>>> this
>>>>> is
>>>>> an attempt to control liars and those attempting to mislead. As you
>>>>> said
>>>>> federal laws trump codes and such, and you as an informed and educated
>>>>> individual verse in the laws, as are the police, or at least we should
>>>>> hope,
>>>>> I do draw attention to the learning experience at the ice cream parlor
>>>>> we
>>>>> all discussed, should hope and rest assured that we may not be denied
>>>>> access
>>>>> anywhere we travel. Yet, someone who attempts to mislead will not
>>>>> know
>>>>> the
>>>>> law and should and must be held accountable to not having their pet
>>>>> accompany them where our service animals do. How would you suggest
>>>>> combating the misleading individuals who try to pass of yorkies and or
>>>>> pit
>>>>> bulls as service animals? .
>>>>>
>>>>> Albert J. Rizzi, M.Ed.
>>>>> CEO/Founder
>>>>> My Blind Spot, Inc.
>>>>> 90 Broad Street - 18th Fl.
>>>>> New York, New York 10004
>>>>> www.myblindspot.org
>>>>> PH: 917-553-0347
>>>>> Fax: 212-858-5759
>>>>> "The person who says it cannot be done, shouldn't interrupt the one
>>>>> who
>>>>> is
>>>>> doing it."
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>>> From: nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
>>>>> Behalf
>>>>> Of Marion & Martin
>>>>> Sent: Wednesday, November 25, 2009 7:33 PM
>>>>> To: NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users
>>>>> Subject: Re: [nagdu] Fake service dogs news story
>>>>>
>>>>> Albert,
>>>>> The problem with the tag might be the challenges it would cause for
>>>>> those of us from another jurisdiction who do not have such a tag. If I
>>>>> travel to this area with my guide dog and am questioned about such a
>>>>> tag,
>>>>> would I be denied access because they are imposing more restrictions
>>>>> upon
>>>>> me
>>>>>
>>>>> than the law allows? The ADA protects me no matter where I travel in
>>>>> the
>>>>> U.S. and its territories. If the ADA states there is no documentation
>>>>> required for access and a local jurisdiction imposes a restriction
>>>>> upon
>>>>> me,
>>>>> this jurisdiction is in violation of my rights under Federal law. Even
>>>>> if
>>>>> the tag is an option, some public accommodations may see it as a
>>>>> requirement; thus the local law/ordinance has the effect of creating
>>>>> discrimination against me by confusing the public on this issue.
>>>>>
>>>>> Fraternally yours,
>>>>> Marion
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> ----- Original Message -----
>>>>> From: "Albert J Rizzi" <albert at myblindspot.org>
>>>>> To: "'NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog
>>>>> Users'"
>>>>> <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
>>>>> Sent: Wednesday, November 25, 2009 12:58 PM
>>>>> Subject: Re: [nagdu] Fake service dogs news story
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>> To tell you the truth I see the tag "option" more as a tool to
>>>>>> protect
>>>>>> our
>>>>>> rights rather then one to be considered a problem. The code was most
>>>>>> probably created and enforced due to individuals trying to get over
>>>>>> on
>>>>>> society in order to bring their pets wherever they please. A service
>>>>>> animal
>>>>>> in and of itself and their abilities are evident when one sees a
>>>>>> service
>>>>>> animal in action. If however a tag helps protect us from charlatans
>>>>>> and
>>>>>> does
>>>>>> not complicate a true handlers life or access then what is the big
>>>>>> deal?
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Albert J. Rizzi, M.Ed.
>>>>>> CEO/Founder
>>>>>> My Blind Spot, Inc.
>>>>>> 90 Broad Street - 18th Fl.
>>>>>> New York, New York 10004
>>>>>> www.myblindspot.org
>>>>>> PH: 917-553-0347
>>>>>> Fax: 212-858-5759
>>>>>> "The person who says it cannot be done, shouldn't interrupt the one
>>>>>> who
>>>>>> is
>>>>>> doing it."
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>>>> From: nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
>>>>>> Behalf
>>>>>> Of Linda Gwizdak
>>>>>> Sent: Wednesday, November 25, 2009 12:34 PM
>>>>>> To: NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users
>>>>>> Subject: Re: [nagdu] Fake service dogs news story
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Hi Ann,
>>>>>> I was just as surprized to see in the story that the tags are
>>>>>> mandatory -
>>>>>> just like the law cited about busting people for fraudulent service
>>>>>> animals.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> The thing about the tags is NEVER enforced. I know many guide dog
>>>>>> users
>>>>>> who
>>>>>>
>>>>>> never got around to getting the tags when they started issuing them
>>>>>> several
>>>>>> years ago. I got one so if by chance Landon got loose and was wearing
>>>>>> only
>>>>>> his collar, his finder would know right away that he was a service
>>>>>> dog -
>>>>>> that's the only reason I got it.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> When I got the tag, the Animal Control folks NEVER said that these
>>>>>> tags
>>>>>> were
>>>>>>
>>>>>> mandatory as the officer in the article said. I could very easily
>>>>>> find
>>>>>> out
>>>>>> since I go to their campus to volunteer with the adjoining Humane
>>>>>> Society
>>>>>> twice a month!
>>>>>>
>>>>>> I think the article was addressing that there is a definate problem
>>>>>> with
>>>>>> these "fake" service animals in the San Diego area - and I assume in
>>>>>> other
>>>>>> locales as well. When Channel 10 did the story, they NEVER
>>>>>> approached
>>>>>> the
>>>>>> San Diego guide dog using residents. All they needed to do is call
>>>>>> up
>>>>>> the
>>>>>> Blind Community Center or the San Diego Center for the Blind to find
>>>>>> us.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> So, yeah, the story was contradictory, I can try to contact the
>>>>>> writer
>>>>>> of
>>>>>> the story and find out more. I've just been quite busy with other
>>>>>> pressing
>>>>>> things.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> As to rabbits, I have never encountered one as a service animal and I
>>>>>> don't
>>>>>> think it would be a problem to me as some of these untrained,
>>>>>> unsocialized
>>>>>> dogs people bring out and claim they are their service dogs.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> What I think needs to be done is to bust the offenders who cause
>>>>>> problems.
>>>>>
>>>>>> I
>>>>>>
>>>>>> have encountered some "emotional support" dogs on the bus who were
>>>>>> very
>>>>>> well
>>>>>>
>>>>>> behaved and socialized. the dogs were suited for the work. I even
>>>>>> had
>>>>>> one
>>>>>> that lay under the seat on the bus with Landon and it was Landon who
>>>>>> tried
>>>>>> to misbehave! (grin!) I told these people that I appreciated that
>>>>>> they
>>>>>> had
>>>>>> nice dogs and I have no problem with these. It is unfortunate that
>>>>>> some
>>>>>> people spoil it all for the people who are responsible whether it is
>>>>>> a
>>>>>> pet
>>>>>> or a service dog.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> If people in this country trained their dogs and were responsible
>>>>>> owners,
>>>>>> I
>>>>>> think the bans on dogs would go away. But, you know how it is -
>>>>>> people
>>>>>> lump
>>>>>>
>>>>>> everyone into one group when it comes to dogs or other things. I
>>>>>> wish
>>>>>> that
>>>>>> the OFFENDERS would be punished and leave the good folks alone.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Have a Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Linda and Landon
>>>>>> ----- Original Message -----
>>>>>> From: "Ann Edie" <annedie at nycap.rr.com>
>>>>>> To: "NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users"
>>>>>> <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
>>>>>> Sent: Tuesday, November 24, 2009 12:16 AM
>>>>>> Subject: Re: [nagdu] Fake service dogs news story
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Hi, Linda,
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> The logic behind news stories such as this one never ceases to amaze
>>>>>>> me!
>>>>>>> Can someone please explain to me how banning rabbits as service
>>>>>>> animals
>>>>>>> is
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> going to have any effect on the number of pit bulls, Yorkies, and
>>>>>>> Chihuahuas being fraudulently claimed as service animals?
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> And, while you say that "service dog" tags are not required by
>>>>>>> California
>>>>>>> to gain public access with a service animal, the article clearly
>>>>>>> tells
>>>>>>> the
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> public--and managers of places of public accommodation--the exact
>>>>>>> opposite, "Lt. Dan DeSousa of the San Diego County Animal Shelter
>>>>>>> told
>>>>>>> 10News that California requires all service dogs wear a special tag,
>>>>>>> which
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> can be obtained at your local animal shelter by filling out a form."
>>>>>>> Who
>>>>>>> is John Q. Public going to believe, Linda G. who claims that she has
>>>>>>> the
>>>>>>> right under the ADA to take her "service dog" into any public place
>>>>>>> on
>>>>>>> just her say-so that the dog performs tasks to mitigate her
>>>>>>> disability,
>>>>>>> or
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Lt. Dan DeSousa, (who sounds like an *official* law enforcement
>>>>>>> officer
>>>>>>> to
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> me), and who clearly states that California requires that a dog be
>>>>>>> wearing
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> "service dog" tags which can be obtained at your local animal
>>>>>>> shelter
>>>>>>> in
>>>>>>> order for the person to be granted public access?
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> What good does it do to state on an e-mail list populated by guide
>>>>>>> dog
>>>>>>> users who already presumably know their rights under the ADA, that
>>>>>>> "Service dog" tags are not required for public access, while Lt. Dan
>>>>>>> DeSousa is quoted in the public media stating the exact opposite?
>>>>>>> Perhaps
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> you should try to interest the TV news organization in airing a
>>>>>>> debate
>>>>>>> on
>>>>>>> the subject of public access by persons with disabilities
>>>>>>> accompanied
>>>>>>> by
>>>>>>> service animals between Lt. Dan DeSousa and yourself or some other
>>>>>>> representative of the disability community. And perhaps they should
>>>>>>> also
>>>>>>> include a user of a service rabbit and a non-disabled person who has
>>>>>>> fraudulently obtained a "service dog" tag for his/her pet pit bull
>>>>>>> in
>>>>>>> the
>>>>>>> debate as well.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> It is truly an Alice Through the Looking Glass World we live in!
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Best,
>>>>>>> Ann
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> ----- Original Message -----
>>>>>>> From: "Linda Gwizdak" <linda.gwizdak at cox.net>
>>>>>>> To: "NFBnet NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog
>>>>>>> Users" <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
>>>>>>> Sent: Monday, November 23, 2009 10:23 PM
>>>>>>> Subject: [nagdu] Fake service dogs news story
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Hi All,
>>>>>>>> Here below is an article from a newsstory aired last night on San
>>>>>>>> Diego's
>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> KGTV Channel 10. It was a good piece and I wanted to share it with
>>>>>>>> you.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> The service animal tags issued by SD Animal Control is NOT required
>>>>>>>> to
>>>>>>>> have our guide dogs admitted into public places. Some of us have
>>>>>>>> them
>>>>>>>> and some don't. Under ADA these tags can't be the determining
>>>>>>>> factor
>>>>>>>> in
>>>>>>>> order to admit a service dog - it just lets the public know that
>>>>>>>> the
>>>>>>>> dog
>>>>>>>> has been registered with the County of San Diego as a service dog.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> We experience the problem of these dogs mentioned in the story all
>>>>>>>> the
>>>>>>>> time. One of my friends was getting off the bus when a "service
>>>>>>>> dog"
>>>>>>>> lunged and growled not only at her guide dog, but at several
>>>>>>>> passengers!
>>>>>>>> The bus driver did nothing about this. He was probably afraid of
>>>>>>>> being
>>>>>>>> sued under ADA.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> I personally have encountered these nasty dogs on the bus and in
>>>>>>>> public
>>>>>>>> buildings. It sure is scary when all of a sudden you hear this
>>>>>>>> menacing
>>>>>>>> dog near you!
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> I hope the new ADA regs will help get rid of this problem.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Linda and Landon
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Loopholes Allow Pets to Be Taken Anywhere
>>>>>>>> SAN DIEGO -- We all love our pets but some people are willing to
>>>>>>>> break
>>>>>>>> the law so they can take their dogs with them everywhere they go.
>>>>>>>> 10News
>>>>>>>> reporter Rachel Bianco investigated San Diego's canine companion
>>>>>>>> controversy and how it threatens the rights of people who are truly
>>>>>>>> disabled.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Sady the miniature daschund doesn't look like your typical service
>>>>>>>> dog
>>>>>>>> nor -- with her jumping and barking -- does she act like one, but
>>>>>>>> when
>>>>>>>> she wore a service dog vest and badge she had no trouble getting
>>>>>>>> into
>>>>>>>> North County restaurants.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Tami Michaels has a legitimate disability and a legitimate service
>>>>>>>> dog.
>>>>>>>> She said that when Fido is a fake it poses a real problem.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> "A lot of them don't have the right temperament to be out in
>>>>>>>> public,"
>>>>>>>> Michaels said. "So, when I go in with my dog to a grocery store or
>>>>>>>> a
>>>>>>>> restaurant, often times these kinds of dogs will lunge and growl
>>>>>>>> and
>>>>>>>> snap
>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> at my dog."
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> But snapping dogs aren't the only problem. "I've seen a lot more
>>>>>>>> suspicion from people where they automatically assume you are
>>>>>>>> trying
>>>>>>>> to
>>>>>>>> pull something over on them," Michaels added.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Lt. Dan DeSousa of the San Diego County Animal Shelter told 10News
>>>>>>>> that
>>>>>>>> California requires all service dogs wear a special tag, which can
>>>>>>>> be
>>>>>>>> obtained at your local animal shelter by filling out a form. The
>>>>>>>> only
>>>>>>>> problem, DeSousa said, is that there is no way to follow up on the
>>>>>>>> answers.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> DeSousa said that when someone applies for a service dog tag the
>>>>>>>> only
>>>>>>>> question they have to answer is if the animal is trained to perform
>>>>>>>> a
>>>>>>>> task for the person. There is no way to verify that what they're
>>>>>>>> saying
>>>>>>>> is true.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> "Doctors notes and disablities, that's off limits to us," DeSousa
>>>>>>>> said,
>>>>>>>> "we can't ask about that, so we have to take people at their word."
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> So far this year, the county has issued the most service dog
>>>>>>>> tags --
>>>>>>>> 43 -- to labradors. Chihuahuas came in second with 37 tags,
>>>>>>>> beating
>>>>>>>> golden retrievers which had 25.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Also curiously high on the list: yorkshire terriers, pit bulls, and
>>>>>>>> pugs.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> "There are people who want this tag just so they can take their dog
>>>>>>>> wherever they want to, so they can take it into the stores,
>>>>>>>> restaurants
>>>>>>>> and things like that," said DeSousa.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> "A lot of people really just don't see anyting wrong with it I
>>>>>>>> guess,"
>>>>>>>> Michaels said. "They just really don't understand how much it hurts
>>>>>>>> legitimate service dog teams."
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Having a fake service animal is a misdemeanor fraud punishable by
>>>>>>>> six
>>>>>>>> months in jail or a $1,000 fine but the San Diego Sheriff's
>>>>>>>> Department
>>>>>>>> told 10News that it has never been enforced.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Right now it is simply too hard to tell whether the canine is a
>>>>>>>> con.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> The U.S. Justice Department is currently looking to tighten the
>>>>>>>> rules
>>>>>>>> for
>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> service animals. The new guidelines under review would exclude
>>>>>>>> reptiles,
>>>>>>>> amphibians, rodents, farm animals, ferrets and rabbits. A final
>>>>>>>> decision
>>>>>>>> is expected by the end of the year.
>>>>>>>> Copyright 2009 by 10News.com. All rights reserved. This material
>>>>>>>> may
>>>>>>>> not
>>>>>>>> be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed
>>>>>>>> _______________________________________________
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