Did You Know? Banned Breed Ordinances Do NOT Apply to Service Animals
A service animal owner contacted Disability Rights Arkansas for assistance with her rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act regarding her service animal. Her service animal is an American Pit Bull Terrier. The city where she lived had enacted a “vicious breed ordinance” which bans all dogs of certain breeds within the city’s limits. The […]
Excellent information from the ADA National Network about Service and Emotional Support Animals
Are you confused about the difference between service animals and emotional support animals? About the difference in how support animals are covered by the ADA versus the Fair Housing Act? There is a lot to know about service and support animals, and how their use is protected depending on the environment. The ADA National Network […]
Governor Signs the Patricia Heath Act
Governor Hutchinson signed into law the Patricia Heath Act yesterday. This act affirms the right of Arkansans with disabilities to utilize a service animal in public. Sponsored by Senator Rapert and Representative Meeks, the Act states “Every individual with visual, hearing, or other disabilities has the right to be accompanied by a service animal especially […]
New Regulations Broadening Who Is Covered Under the ADA to Take Effect October 11
The definition of who is covered under the Americans with Disabilities (ADA) is being significantly expanded by the U. S. Department of Justice, in regulations set to take effect October 11 of this year. “This final rule clarifies Congress’ original mandate that eliminating discrimination against people with disabilities requires an expansive definition of what disability […]
FAQ About Service Animals Under the ADA
What is a service animal? Is a service animal the same as an emotional support animal, or a therapy animal? How are they different? Must a service animal be professionally trained? These are just some of the questions people have about service animals. Adding to the confusion is the fact that the rules for service […]