In ​2016, instead of discrimination slowly disappearing like I have expected it to over the years, it is seemingly getting much worse. Service Dogs are defined by our government as “necessary medical equipment” that a disabled person must have with them in order to maintain their life and lifestyle. I usually help people understand by comparing Gus (my PTSDSD) to a furry pacemaker, or a wheelchair with a sweet face[1].​ My question is this: when someone is physically disabled and arrested, are they not accommodated and treated differently than the "average citizen", or is their disability used against them? For Service Dog handlers the argument is not this simple. For example, when someone who is disabled and has a Service Dog is arrested by police, guilty or not, there is a very high chance that the police will use the individual's insecurities and fears about being away from their medical equipment against them. For instance, threats of being separated from their service dog by dropping them off at the vet or pound (in some cases it is possible that the dog could get euthanized if the owner cannot get out of jail in time to get him or her) are becoming increasingly popular for police to use to get any information out of someone they are interrogating. Again, please keep in mind that according to Federal Law these animals are considered necessary medical equipment. So answer me this, is it fair to threaten to throw away a diabetic's insulin pump because they are not cooperating with the police? If not, my Service dog and I would really appreciate it if you would help our cause in advocating police education on the disabilities that are protected by the ADA. Please help me stop discrimination by signing this petition requesting that Service Dogs never be separated from their owner, even in cases of arrest. Everyone makes mistakes, disabled people should not be denied their medical equipment because of a mistake. I am not requesting that disabled people deserve more rights, I am simply suggesting that if they have to face the consequences of their actions like everyone else, they should suffer the same consequences, not worse ones. And taking away necessary medical equipment is making the consequence of the mistake much worse than it would be for the average citizen, it could even be considered cruel and unusual punishment.

Works Cited

[1] http://www.jjslist.com/blog/service-dogs-pets-pests-or-medical-equipment