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.”
The Putnam Legislature has updated that provision and at Tuesday evening’s regular monthly meeting by a unanimous 9-0 vote adopted a new service animal policy allowing for emotional support dogs.
Marla Behler, director of the Children’s Advocacy Center, and Patricia Rau, the county’s principal personnel specialist, asked the legislature to adopt the new service animal policy.
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.
Behler added, “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.”
Putnam’s original policy also requires handlers to keep full control of service animals at all times. The updated plan adds 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.
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