Condo Q&A

Man with service dog says condo association violating disability act

Written by stephen polinsky | Tue, Dec 31, 2013 @ 03:38 PM

I am a Trustee on our BOD. We allow 30Lb. and under dogs in our complex. We received an email from a resident regarding a possible long term visitor who had a service dog over our allowable weight limit. We replied that shouldn't be a problem as sit is visiting, but would consult with the condo attorney should visit become permanent. He was sent an email that stated the dog must follow the rules, not be a disturbance, and be taken to the woods to relieve itself as all other dog owners do. We have a $35 fine for violators and they are usually sent a warning letter before hand. Another owner reported that this service dog is being allowed to relieve itself on the common area grounds. An email was sent to the unit owner stating this fact and was told any subsequent violations would be fined at $35 each and be attached to his condo fee. He has now called the condo hot line saying how dare we threaten a service dog. Does anyone see where a Disability Act was violated here? Are service dog owners given dispensation from cleaning up after their animals or obiding by rules regarding thier dogs? The owner was told he would be responsible for any violations regarding the visitors animal.