In an unusual turn of events, a Phillies fan and his emotional support alligator, known as WallyGator, were denied entry to Citizens Bank Park. The incident has ignited a debate about the definition of service animals and their place in public spaces.
WallyGator’s owner, Joie Henney, insists that WallyGator aids him in coping with depression and anxiety and has registered the alligator as an emotional support animal. However, Citizens Bank Park’s policy explicitly permits only dogs as service animals, requiring that these animals remain under their handler’s control and not disrupt others’ comfort or safety.
Henney contends that WallyGator is well-trained, always leashed, and muzzled in public. Despite his assurances, the Phillies cited concerns about guest safety and potential disruptions in refusing entry to WallyGator.
This incident has reignited the ongoing debate surrounding the definition of service animals. Some argue that animals, beyond dogs, can genuinely provide emotional support to individuals with disabilities and should be allowed in public spaces. Others maintain that animals can be unpredictable and pose safety risks.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) presently defines service animals as specifically trained dogs to assist those with disabilities, without mentioning other animals like alligators in this category. Nonetheless, there is a growing movement advocating for a broader definition of service animals, encompassing creatures such as miniature horses and psychiatric service dogs.
The denial of WallyGator’s entry into the ballpark has underscored the need for clarity and understanding on this issue. It also raises the potential for changes in policies, lawsuits, or amendments to the ADA in the ongoing debate over whether animals should be recognized as service animals. The saga of WallyGator continues to capture attention and fuel discussions about the role of animals in providing emotional support to individuals with disabilities.
