Southeast ADA Center
2022
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John Wilds uses a service dog because of a disability. In July 2021, Wilds entered the United States Courthouse in Gainesville, Florida with his service dog off leash. When he entered, AHTNA Professional Services' court security officers told Wilds he was not allowed in because his dog had to be on a leash. Wilds tried to explain to the security officer that his service dog had to be off leash in the event he has a blackout (for the safety of the dog).
Wilds sued AHTNA Professional Services in federal court. Wilds claimed that AHTNA violated the ADA and Florida Statute ยง 413.08(3) by not allowing him into the courthouse with his service dog. Wilds asked the court to rule that he be allowed to enter the courthouse in the future with his service dog off leash.
AHTNA Professional Services asked the court to dismiss Wilds' suit.
https://adasoutheast.org/court/wilds-v-akhi-llc-and-ahtna/
Keywords: Americans with Disabilities Act, access to courts, contractor, courtrooms, failure to state a claim, federal court, service animal