Veteran with PTSD service dog not allowed into courthouse?

These dogs are trained to get veterans with PTSD back out into their communities but over and over again, the veterans are turned away from businesses because they have the dogs. Now it happened at a courthouse. What tops this story off is the security guard at the courthouse called animal control to take the dog he tied up outside so the veteran could do what he needed to do.

Courthouse denies entrance to man’s emotional service dog
WLFI 18 News
By Samantha Thieke
Published: July 16, 2014

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) – Lafayette resident Mike Riley said he requires the help of his emotional service dog, Bella, after suffering post-traumatic stress disorder from his time serving in the army.

The Gulf War Veteran said he and Bella, a boxer mix, aren’t strangers to the Tippecanoe County Courthouse.

“I’ve been to the courthouse twice before this year and nothing has been said until yesterday,” said Riley.

Tuesday Riley said he needed to do business at the courthouse.

After entering he said security asked for Bella’s identification, which shows she is an emotional service dog. That’s when security told him Bella wasn’t allowed inside.

“I tried to explain to him that she’s a service animal,” said Riley.

According to the ADA website, dogs who only provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals.

Courthouse Security Supervisor Scott Hodson said non-service animals aren’t allowed at the courthouse.
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Here are some more stories from this year alone.

Daytona Beach Budget Inn Express Denies Veteran Room Over PTSD Service Dog

Florida VA Kicks Out PTSD Veterans with Service Dogs

Landlord of veteran with service dog defends no-dog policy

Miami American Airlines Not Friendly To PTSD Service Dog Again

PTSD Veteran kicked out of another business over service dog

Iraq Veteran loses apartment over PTSD Service dog