[NAGDU] fleas in the workplace

NAGDU President blind411 at verizon.net
Thu Aug 31 17:12:16 UTC 2017


Kerri

	Though I am not an attorney, my opinion is that you need to do
nothing! If your workplace contends that there is a flea issue and that your
dog is the source of that issue, it is up to them to demonstrate this is so.
This is what is known as an affirmative defense. In other words, it is up to
your employer to demonstrate that your dog is the source of the issue; it is
not up to you to demonstrate your dog is not. You have already gone above
and beyond by having your dog examined and found to be free of fleas.
Scratching can be the result of many other issues, including boredom! 

Fraternally yours,
Marion


Marion Gwizdala, President
National Association of Guide Dog Users Inc. (NAGDU)
National Federation of the Blind
(813) 626-2789
President at NAGDU.ORG


The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the
characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise
expectations because low expectations create barriers between blind  people
and our dreams. You can live the life you want! Blindness is not what holds
you back.

-----Original Message-----
From: NAGDU [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Kerri Sprecher
via NAGDU
Sent: Thursday, August 31, 2017 12:47 PM
To: nagdu at nfbnet.org
Cc: Kerri Sprecher
Subject: [NAGDU] fleas in the workplace

Hi list,
I have a huge concern that I need some advice about.
On Tuesday, I was pulled aside and told by my supervisor and HR, that Sadie
had been seen to have fleas, and that it was immediately necessary for her
to get treated, which I had already done this past weekend with the normal
frontline I always use. I told them I had already treated her, but that I
would use a topical spray (such as hearts brand), and they also demanded
that I treat the whole office that I work in, because they looked it up in
the ADA regulations and made sure to point out that I am responsible for
this. Ok, I already know this and agree that I would be the one to treat for
this problem, so I promptly had her examined, and it was found that she did
not have fleas at all, but today, I was pulled aside again and asked if I
had a chance to get her treated or dipped yet, and I said that I had done
the topical spray and yes, I had her examined and found that she did not in
fact have a single flea on her body. I asked the HR person if she or anyone
else had actuall  y walked up to Sadie and looked at her fur and visually
seen fleas on her, and instead of saying yes or no, her immediate answer,
which spoke volumes, was, she was seen scratching, so what else could it be
but fleas on her and someone in your office saw a flea on themselves, and
today someone is still getting flea bites. So, basically, I was straight up
lied to Tuesday, because they told me that she was seen to have fleas.
That's exactly the wording used, seen to have fleas. They are blaming me
unnecessarily and unfairly, when fleas can be tracked in from infested grass
anywhere. How do they know that it couldn't have been on someone shoes in
the grass here at work? I was told that if this continued, they would
address it more severely, that they know I need my service dog, but that
it's causing workplace issues and health issues. But, Sadie clearly does NOT
have them and has been properly treated. What do I do?
Kerri


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