CARMEL – The Americans with Disabilities Act mandates all businesses and facilities serving the public must not discriminate against those with disabilities while allowing a service animal in all areas where patrons are permitted.
Three years ago, Putnam County approved the policy that “no individual assisted by a service dog will be denied access to any Putnam County facility where the public is allowed access.”
The resolution also noted that service animals were “separate and distinct from emotional support animals.”
At Wednesday’s meeting of the County Legislature’s Personnel Committee, lawmakers welcomed Marla Behler, director of the Children’s Advocacy Center along with Patricia Rau, the county’s Principal Personnel Specialist who requested that the legislature adopt a new Service Animal policy allowing for emotional support dogs.
Rau explained that the Children’s Advocacy Center plays a key role in coordinating multi-agency investigations of child abuse, including sexual abuse, serious physical abuse, and domestic violence.
“The center provides a caring, child-friendly setting to support children and their families during difficult times,” she said.
“Allowing therapy dogs in the CAC with the express purpose of providing comfort to these children and families would aid the CAC staff in supporting the victims,” Behler said.
After discussing suitable space for the dog and potential concerns about children with allergies, the committee approved the resolution and sent it to the full legislature for consideration next month.
Putnam’s original policy further requires handlers to maintain full control of service animals at all times. Rau added that handlers are solely responsible for the animal’s care and supervision, and anyone bringing a service animal onto county property is fully liable for any injuries or property damage the animal causes.
Comments