Tag Archives: Service animals
New Guidance on Emotional Support Animals for Air Carriers – What does it mean?
By: Matthew Dietz Almost nothing has engendered more controversy than turkeys, peacocks, and pigs on commercial air crafts. As a result of the many passengers who choose to bring their animals on aircraft, airlines have been establishing new guidelines without oversight or guidance from the Department of Transportation and their view of enforcement of… Read More »
Florida’s New Service Animal Statute — Section 413.08
By: Matthew Dietz This legislative term, Florida Representative Jimmie T. Smith, from Citrus and part of Hernando Counties, sponsored one of the most progressive service animal bills in the United States, Florida Statute 413.08 (2015). As a veteran, Rep. Smith has become a leader for the Florida House when it comes to issues dealing… Read More »
Litigation Update: Anthony gets to keep Stevie in School!
By: Matthew Dietz On February 10, 2014, United States District Court Judge Beth Bloom ruled that Broward County School District violated Anthony Merchante’s rights, as a child with a disability, by denying his right to have a seizure alert animal accompany him at his elementary school. Anthony’s mother, Monica, requested that the school allow… Read More »
Litigation: Pledger v. SAS Transportation
By: Matthew Dietz Litigation – Pledger v. SAS Transportation Jeff and Suzanne Pledger love to go on cruises. Jeff is blind and he uses a guide dog named Joelle. As an advocate for persons with visual impairment, Jeff is the past President of Verizon’s Disabilities Issues Awareness Leaders (DIAL), which provides support and resources… Read More »
Kiddle’s Ordinance
By: Matthew Dietz On July 6, 2014, Nancy Alfonso’s worst nightmare occurred while she was having lunch at a restaurant in Doral with her friend Luz Rosenthal. Nancy’s guide dog Kiddle and Luz’s guide dog Chelsea were with the friends, when Kiddle became violently ill and started vomiting inside the restaurant. An emergency veterinarian… Read More »
11th Circuit Decision in Bhogaita v. Altamonte Heights Condominum
[PUBLISH] IN THE UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE ELEVENTH CIRCUIT _ Nos. 13-12625; 13-13914 _ D. C. Docket No. 6:11-cv-01637-GAP-DAB AJIT BHOGAITA, Plaintiff – Appellee, versus ALTAMONTE HEIGHTS CONDOMINIUM ASSN., INC., Defendant – Appellant. _ Appeals from the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida _ (August 27,… Read More »
Litigation UPDATE – Sabal Palm Condominiums v. Fisher
Former Teacher with Multiple Sclerosis obtains a $300,000 settlement in her fight to keep her service animal in her home in Broward County On May 8, 2014, Deborah Fischer and Larry Fischer obtained a $300,000 settlement against their condominium association for their three-year long fight to keep Deborah’s service dog, Sorenson, in their home…. Read More »
VICTORY for the Fischers and Sorenson the Dog
On Thursday, March 13, 2014, Judge Robert Scola vindicated the Deborah Fischer’s right to use a service animal, Sorenson the Dog, in her home because of her obvious need of this trained animal. See Order – Omnibus DE 283. In this case, her condominum association sued Mr. and Mrs. Fischer in Federal Court to… Read More »
Teacher with Multiple Sclerosis denied Service Dog in her own home.
Deborah Fisher lives with her husband Larry at Sabal Palm Condominiums in Broward County, Florida. Deb has lived at Sabal Palms for the past twelve years. She lives with Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis. Deb’s multiple sclerosis affects her ability to walk and her fine motor skills. It progressed from walking with a limp,… Read More »
A six year old’s fight to have his seizure dog at school.
Disability Independence Group filed a federal lawsuit against the Broward School Board, alleging the district discriminated against Anthony Merchante, a first grader, for imposing too many barriers to bringing his service dog to his elementary school. Anthony Marchante lives with cerebral palsy and is highly prone to seizures. His medium-sized terrier service dog,… Read More »