Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the ADA Service Animals topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Veteran says he was refused service with his service dog; commissioners cite Michigan law on service animals
Summary
A Roscommon County resident recounted being told by restaurant staff to leave while accompanied by his service dog; commissioners cited MCL 750.502 and outlined that only two questions are permitted regarding service animals under state law.
A resident described being refused service at a restaurant while accompanied by his service dog and said the interaction left him feeling humiliated and disrespected.
The commenter said he and his companion were told "we're not allowed to have dogs in the restaurant," that staff refused service despite a service-vest and identification, and that an owner ordered them to leave. He said he contacted the Michigan Department of Civil Rights and may pursue the matter further if not resolved.
County commissioners responded with statutory guidance, citing Michigan law (MCL 750.502) and saying a public accommodation may not remove a service animal because of allergies or fear and that only two questions are permitted: whether the animal is required because of a disability and what work or task the animal is trained to perform. The board called the episode unfortunate and urged public education.
The meeting did not include a formal county investigation or a vote; the speaker said he had reported the incident to state civil-rights authorities and sought wider awareness of ADA rules.
