An actual service horse on Trimet

Tom Horton Writes:  This "Service Animal" business is just getting outta control. I'm told I am allowed to ask, "What service does this animal perform?" But, I think that question would violate the spirit of the ADA law, in that the answer would tend to expose the nature of the person's disability. Is this horse a "mobility" aid???

Union sister responded, "You're right you would violate ADA and could get into trouble. It's a service animal and are just arriving in Portland. Not sure what type of service they provide."


I could be mistaken, but I don't think so. That question, "What service does this animal perform?" Has been recommended in several Recertification Training classes over the past many years when the subject of "Service Animals" comes up and our response to them. I don't believe I was hearing things incorrectly at the time because it shocked me immediately. Having had some post-graduate extension education on the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act, I recognized right away the conflict in that question.

Nonetheless, the overwhelming influx of """Service Animals""" that you and I know damn well aren't, is becoming quite a menacing problem on public transit. If our Training Instructors aren't on the same page as our Road Supervisors, who aren't on the same page as our Transportation Managers, how the hell are we bus drivers ever going to know what is in the best interest of all passengers and animals and general public safety???

What if this horse steps on some poor old lady's foot and breaks it? Not inconceivable in a large moving bus where the animal is not secured. Am I liable for allowing it inside where it has obviously injured another of my passengers? What of the rights of those other passengers not to be threatened by such a large beast, or sickened by its odor? A public transit bus is not designed for transporting livestock. Aren't we correct to consider the safety of this horse as well? Shouldn't it also have the protection of transportation specifically designed to carry it? In the unfortunate event of a wreck, would this animal get injured? Probably. Would I or my employer be held liable for its injuries? Probably. Is such a heavy animal likely to injure someone else? There we go again...