Wichita, Kansas - A Hutchinson woman is filing paperwork to sue Intrust Arena after she says she was humiliated for bringing her service dog to the arena for a recent hockey game.
"I was at the game and we were enjoying it," says Angie Lewis-Thomas. "First period and my dog Quairvo, he kind of had to go to the bathroom. I asked which door to exit and re-enter with my service dog."
When she came back inside, Angie says she was humiliated.
"That supervisor says to me, "Why did you bring your pet to the arena?'"
Angie says the questions did not stop, even after she explained it was a service dog providing medically necessary guidance for Angie's symptoms related to blood sugar levels and panic attacks.
"She asked if the dog was absolutely necessary," says Angie. "Then she asked for paperwork. She said she had to see paperwork from a doctor saying the dog was necessary. I was humiliated in front of all those people. She didn't even bother to pull me aside to a private area to ask the questions. She just kept after me right there in front of everyone. I was humiliated. It's just wrong."
Intrust Arena gave an official response, saying they have talked to Angie about the incident.
"In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act," reads the statement, "INTRUST Bank Arena allows our guests to bring service animals into our facility. Per the regulation, a public entity is allowed to ask if the animal is required because of a disability and what work or task the animal has been trained to perform. SMG trains it staff in accordance with ADA regulation."
Legal analysts say in order for a lawsuit to have merit in a case like this, the person with the service dog or service animal must prove they were questioned beyond what is permitted by law.
"Two questions to ask if a dog qualifies as a service animal," says Legal analysts Dan Monnat. "One: Is the animal necessary for a disability? Two: What work or task is the animal trained to perform? But much beyond that runs the risk of discriminating against the person with disabilities or risking the release of private, confidential medical information."
Angie says the questions just kept coming.
"And I said he's a service dog that's all I need to say," explains Angie. "And she said well, do you have paperwork from a doctor? I want an apology. Yes, I'm going to file a lawsuit but I'm not after money. I just want them to be held accountable."
Angie says she is talking with several lawyers to see who is best qualified to take the case.
