Thursday, November 19, 2009

Service Dog Controversy

A Colorado woman has been fined $500 by her condo's home owner's association because she has a service dog that isn't certified. However, an ADA spokesman says an animal doesn't have to be certified to be a service animal. As long as the animal is individually trained to perform a specific task for an individual with a disability, it qualifies. there are no pets allowed in her Fort Collins condo building. Julianna Rigby, who is deaf in one ear, says Pookee helps her function with her hearing impairment. The Park Lane Towers association is refusing to budge, claiming ADA law doesn't apply. The group is threatening to put a lien on her property and has hired an attorney to force Rigby into court next week.