Tea Party Wants Hesperia To Limit Service Animals
HESPERIA (CBS/AP) — The City Council is scheduled to vote a second time Tuesday on an ordinance that would allow disabled residents to use any doctor-approved service animal in public buildings or businesses in Hesperia.
Councilman Thurston "Smitty" Smith says the measure was approved 4-1 earlier this month and puts into writing the city's policy for the last 20 years.
It became an issue because as of Wednesday the federal government will restrict the definition of a service animal as a dog or miniature horse.
Hesperia introduced its own law at the request of resident Danni Moore, who uses two rats on her shoulders to help control seizures.
Councilman Bill Holland opposes the local measure and the Tea Party has been campaigning against it, even running ads to get people to attend the meeting.
Local Tea Party activists say the proposed ordinance may put local businesses at risk of litigation and health hazards.
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