[nagdu] WA bill would narrow definition of service animals

[Ginger Kutsch]

WA bill would narrow definition of service animals 
Washington's restaurants, bars and grocery stores could refuse
access to nearly all nontraditional service animals, under a bill
moving through the Legislature.
By ROBIN HINDERY
The Associated Press
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2014320069_apwaxg
rserviceanimals.html
 
OLYMPIA, Wash. - 
Washington's restaurants, bars and grocery stores could refuse
access to nearly all nontraditional service animals, under a bill
moving through the Legislature.
 
A bill placed on the House floor calendar Thursday would require
food establishments to accommodate only trained dogs and
miniature horses assisting disabled customers.
 
The measure would bring the state in line with the latest federal
regulations under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Current
state law defines a service animal as any animal trained to aid a
disabled person.
 
Supporters of the bill say it would provide much-needed clarity
to employees and patrons of the state's food establishments,
while also addressing food safety concerns.
 
Others say tales of people trying to pass off snakes, full-size
horses and ferrets as service animals are mostly myths.