WEST MIFFLIN, Pa. — A Marine veteran claims he and his service dog were asked to leave a Pennsylvania restaurant over the weekend.
The veteran said he has post-traumatic stress disorder, and has difficulty walking after serving in Iraq.
The man told WPXI-TV that he was at the Applebee's in West Mifflin with his service dog when he overheard a couple talking about their allergies. The man said he asked if they wanted him to move to another table.
A Marine vet diagnosed with PTSD after serving in Iraq is kicked out of a local restaurant for having a service dog. I’m finding out what the restaurant’s parent company has to say about it, for 11 News at 6. https://t.co/i3Umh1utw5 pic.twitter.com/nVgDC5AAtE
— Gabriella DeLuca (@GabriellaDeLuca) October 14, 2019
He said a man at the table stood up and approached him, and that's when the man said the restaurant manager asked him to leave, and escorted him out of the restaurant.
A spokesperson for the restaurant told WPXI:
"We take this guest's concerns seriously and have connected with him to understand what happened. In adherence to the requirements of the American with Disabilities Act, we warmly welcome service animals into our restaurants. At Applebee's, our promise to all guests and team members is that they feel welcome and respected."
The man said he tried explaining the importance of his dog to the manager, but he was still asked to leave.
Cox Media Group
