GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (AP) — A prosecutor says no charges will be filed after a western Michigan bar asked a veteran and his service dog to leave the establishment in November.
Jerome Smith used the dog to manage post-traumatic stress disorder from his time as a Marine. Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker issued a legal opinion Thursday, saying Smith and the dog had the right to be in The Holiday Bar in Grand Rapids but the dog should have had a harness or leash.
The Americans with Disabilities Act allows a person with a disability to bring a service animal into businesses that serve the public. Businesses can ask a service animal to leave if they believe the animal’s behavior may threaten the health or safety of others.
The bar later issued an apology.
