Norwood Town Council hears problem relating to service dogs, park centers
Published 9:49 am Thursday, May 4, 2023
- Norwood Arbor Day, April 29, 2023. (Photo by CHRIS MILLER/staff)
During the general public remarks area of the Norwood Town Council conference Monday, council members spoken with a regional citizen about an occurrence in between staff and a service dog owner.
Angie Mabry, accompanied by her service dog, Charley, spoke at the podium. She said she was walking April 18 and 19 at the paved course at Darrell Almond Park.
Mabry said somebody with the Norwood town staff notified her she was not permitted to stroll her dog on the course.
“It doesn’t affect Charley. Charley is a service dog who is not included in the ‘no dogs allowed,’ ” Mabry said, describing the Americans With Disabilities Act.
She even more recommended the town requires to send details to staff members about service dogs.
“I could have called the ADA and gotten them down here, and they would have had a ball. I just don’t think that’s right,” Mabry said.
“I was talked to pretty nasty on the 18th, not as bad on the 19th, but he told me I had to leave. The first guy, (I told) him it was a service dog. He said, ‘I don’t give a damn what it was,’ ” Mabry said.
Service dogs are various, she said, than psychological assistance animals.
“Everybody has been really nice until I get to Norwood…I understand Arbor Day was coming up and everything had to be spit shined. But you don’t have to be rude about it,” Mabry said.
During council remarks, Councilman Keith Almond inquired about putting a register which would state service dogs are permitted.
Town Administrator Scott Howard said the park has a dog park next to the ball park with filling station. He said a comparable concern a year ago showed up.
“In that situation, the town was justified not to allow dogs at that park. This situation, I don’t know about,” Howard said.
Almond said, “I’m pretty sure service dogs are pretty much allowed to go anywhere.”
According to the ADA, a service animal need to be under control of the handler.
“Service animals are defined as dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities,” according to ADA.gov. “Under the ADA, State and local governments, businesses, and nonprofit organizations that serve the public generally must allow service animals to accompany people with disabilities in all areas of the facility where the public is allowed to go.”
Mabry said dogs loose in the park threaten to her, however her dog is on a leash.
Councilman Robbie Cohen asked forgiveness to Mabry for what occurred to her. “I hate that happened.”
About Charles Curcio
Charles Curcio has actually functioned as the sports editor of the Stanly News & Press for more than 16 years and has actually composed many news and function storeis also. He was awarded the NCHSAA Tim Stevens Media Representative of the Year and named CNHI Sports Editor of the Year in 2014. He has actually also won an award from Boone Newspapers, and has actually won 4 North Carolina Press Association awards.
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