In Las Vegas, NV, a local army veteran claims he was turned away from a grocery store because of his service dog. He says it’s an issue that happens far too often to veterans like him who don’t have visible wounds.
Veteran Jerry Leal is currently going through training with his young border collie, Conor. The dog will be his companion when he needs it most. After three tours overseas, Leal was medically retired and diagnosed with PTSD.
“I was having really bad flashbacks, I was angered, I was forgetful, I was just flustered,” he said.
Leal’s first service dog was a Siberian husky he got as puppy, but the dog became ill and he had to give him up.
“He kept me calm, he listened, he was on command.”
Leal shared many memories with Nico, some good and some bad when visiting public places.
“He goes ‘Hey, you can’t bring an animal.’ I’m like ‘he’s my service animal.'”
Last November, Leal and his family went shopping at a Mariana’s grocery store on Valley view Boulevard and Sahara Avenue. As they were entering the story, they were stopped by security.
“He goes ‘what kind of service ’cause you look fine.’ I’m like, I have PTSB. I’m a combat veteran,'” Leal said.
Nico was not wearing a vest that identified him as a service dog, but federal law does not require that nor does it require an owner to carry documentation.
“I was livid,” Leal said.
He called the organization who helped him get Nico certified and put them on the phone with the store’s manager.
“These businesses have no clue, they don’t, they’re just not educated,” said M.P. Leonard with RWB Dog T.A.G.S., a non-profit group that helps connect veterans with service dogs.
The group convinced Leal to educate the store’s owner, which he did, and was eventually allowed to bring the dog inside.
“Know the rules of having people bringing a service animal in, so there will be no issues,” Lead said.
Mariana’s did not want to do an on-camera interview but did apologize for the incident and released the following statement.
“Marianas supermarkets and its crew never aim to discriminate, deny, or disrespect our customers during situations where service dogs are present at the store.”
I know someone who lies about their dog being a service animal all so they don’t have to leave their dog at home. They take it everywhere and when asked if its a service animal they say yes, then laugh about it later that they get away with taking their dog in places! Its horrible when I have a cat that was legally registered and could tell when I had migraines coming on, my heart was acting up and was for my PTSD but I cannot take her into stores because cats aren’t allowed anymore. Too many are abusing this and that’s why there needs to be a government like the Ada regulating the registrations or at least a governing agency so its monitored and truly disabled people are the ones benefiting from this. Then it wouldn’t be questioned as much as it is. Plus not everybody can afford the increased amount of food and case for a large animal, handle or are able bodied to take dogs for walks. This is why I got a therapy cat!!! Only to be told I cannot take her in public which is where I need her most. Access and equality for all? Not happening.
PS: the one whom is misusing the “service dog” is an ex service man AND HIS WIFE.