BATESVILLE – A woman who says her "service dog" is needed to help her ward off panic attacks is upset by the negative reaction she’s getting at the library and from city officials.
Rebecca Phillips has been diagnosed with a panic disorder. With this diagnosed as a disability, Phillips has been prescribed the use of a service animal. No certain animal has been prescribed except what comforts and aids her.
Phillips said she is welcomed to every business in Batesville and other cities except for the Batesville Public Library.
"They think because I am not deaf or blind, I cannot have an animal," Phillips said. "I feel that is prejudiced against me."
The same day the City of Batesville Board of Aldermen met, May 6, Phillips came to The Panolian to tell what was happening to her. She did not know about the City Board meeting or that she would be a topic of discussion.
When she read the board meeting account in the paper Friday, May 9, Phillips said she had an attack.
"I cried for hours and hours about what Miss [Bobbie Jean] Pounders said," Phillips said. "It was mean, rude and prejudiced."
Pounders said the dog is making some staff members and patrons uncomfortable.
The American Disabilities Act (ADA) outlines the guidelines under which businesses and organizations must follow regarding service animals.
One of the points is "allergies and fear of animals are generally not valid reasons for denying access or refusing service to people with service animals.
"Under the ADA, businesses and organizations that serve the public must allow people with disabilities to bring their service animals into all areas of the facility where customers are normally allowed to go. This federal law applies to all businesses open to the public, including restaurants, hotels, taxis and shuttles, grocery and department stores, hospitals and medical offices, theaters, health clubs, park and zoos."
