Question:
Your answer to C.C. in Newport Beach, Fla., regarding allowing therapy cats into a condo that does not allow animals was written from the viewpoint of a veterinarian, which you are. Please look at it another way.
When the rules of a condo association clearly state, "no pets allowed," that rule needs to be enforced.
There is a big difference between a "companion animal," which the heart dictates, and a "service or support animal," which is defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. Florida Statute 413.08 defines "service animal" as "an animal that is trained to perform tasks for an individual with a disability." An "individual with a disability" is a person who is deaf/hard of hearing, blind/visually impaired or otherwise physically disabled. If a service animal is necessary, the law mandates detailed documentation. I am on the board of directors in a condominium development where people have been bringing in animals because they are depressed and "need them." It has caused great consternation among those owners who live here because they wanted a non-pet development. If people want companion animals, let them live in a place that allows pets. If they need a service animal, let them supply the legal documentation required by law to the constitution board, and it will be taken under consideration.
C.D., Boca Raton, FL Mar 06, 2011
Answer:
I respect your concerns, but I wonder if you ever had a close relationship with an animal during your childhood years.
Regardless of laws (which can be a poor substitute for ethical and compassionate behavior), companion animals are family members and, as such, have rights quite different from the rights of a person needing an animal because of a disability. Depression is a disability that many companion animals, as loving family members rather than specifically trained service/support-assistance animals, help many people cope with. Democratic condo associations are generally open-minded on this issue, setting strict regulations to ensure that resident family animals do not disturb other people in the building complex and grounds. Those who are zoophobic (afraid of animals) are to be considered but have no right to persecute residents for having animal companions prior to some "no pet" rule being established.
The estimate savings in healthcare costs related to animal companionship, according to European studies, is in the billions of dollars.
Clearly, people with one or more companion animals, or who are planning to get one after they buy into a condominium, should not challenge the living community "no pet" consensus. I would certainly not want to live in such an environment with or without my animal companions. Condo dwellers with animal companions may want to get on the board of directors just in case one or more members decide to push for a "no pet" clause, and those who are threatened should get a doctor's note endorsing their need to have a companion animal for medical reasons. Finding a helpful lawyer through the Animal Legal Defense Fund may be a judicious step if eviction or having to get rid of a beloved family animal becomes a reality. Contact info@aldf.org, or call (707) 795-2533.
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