ALBANY, N.Y. (WRGB) — A shopping trip for Crystal Pratt and her service dog turned into something unexpected.
Pratt was repeatedly told to leave the store because her dog was off-leash. However, she has signed documents confirming her dog, Bella, is a service animal.
Under the ADA, service animals must be harnessed or leashed unless a person’s disability prevents the use of it.
She says the Walmart employees weren’t wearing any badges. Unsure if they were workers, she began recording and called the police, and so did the employees.
“I believe if I go back in the videos I can identify at least five different people that will follow me around the store and said I wasn’t allowed to continue my shopping.,” Pratt said.
We decided to ask Greg Rinckey, founding partner at Tully Rinckey PLLC, where the laws stand.
Rinckey says there’s a difference between an emotional support animal and a service animal. A place of business can refuse an emotional support animal, but a service animal must be allowed.
“Depending on what its its role is it should be leashed, but it doesn’t have to be because some service animals will be, you know, assisting the individual in either getting something, picking something up, or sometimes pulling them or alerting them.,” Rinckey stated.
He says the only two questions a person can ask someone with a service dog are if the person has a disability and what the animal does to help with the disability.
In NYS service animals aren’t required to wear a vest. However, it is beneficial so others are aware of the animal being of service to someone.
The Albany Police did confirm they responded to the calls made from Crystal and the employees. Police say they stayed with her until she finished shopping.
