The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary in Corner Brook has launched an investigation into a local business with regards to an alleged violation of the Service Animal Act.
Const. Shawna Park, the RNC’s media relations officer in the city, said not much information that could be provided about the investigation because it is ongoing.
The investigation stems from an incident involving a local veteran at the Valley Mall on Nov. 5.
In an interview with The Western Star last week, Mike Rude said a mall employee told him he couldn’t be in the shopping centre with his dog.
Rude suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and tried to explain that the dog is a service dog, and even volunteered personal details about his condition. He also provided documentation that identifies him as the handler of a service dog.
But the employee didn’t accept his explanation and repeatedly told Rude he had to leave.
Rude went to the RNC to lodge a complaint, but was told the matter was not a criminal one.
Park said she couldn’t confirm it was Rude, but a man did attend the office on Nov. 5 to complain that he had been denied access to a business.
Park said the employee who spoke with the man was not aware of the specifics of the Service Animal Act and that complaints under the act are rare.
She said the man returned to the office on Monday and spoke with an officer. Upon learning more information from him and reviewing the Service Animal Act, a police file was generated and an investigation started.
Park had no timeframe for when it will be completed.
She said the RNC has apologized to the man in relation to the misunderstanding from his initial visit and regrets that a person who requires a service dog was provided inaccurate information from the RNC about the act.
She said steps have been taken to ensure that all staff — civilian and officers — are familiar with the act to avoid such a situation in the future.
The Valley Mall is managed by the Sterling Group. A request for comment on the investigation was not responded to as of press time.
