Walmart customer outraged after being 'followed' throughout store due to pet rule

A Walmart customer in Albany was repeatedly harassed by store workers for having her service dog off-leash while she was shopping

A Walmart shopper in New York was appalled when a group of workers yelled at her for having her dog off-leash while she was in the store.

Crystal Pratt was at a Walmart in Albany when store staff allegedly repeatedly told her to leave because of her dog, Bella. Since Pratt uses a mobility scooter and has undergone major surgeries, she has signed paperwork verifying Bella's status as a service dog.

Pratt said that the Walmart employees challenging her weren't wearing any badges, so she wasn't sure if they worked there. She began recording them and then called the police.

“They just kept yelling from across the aisles that she needed to be on a leash,” Pratt told the Daily Mail.

What do the ADA guidelines say about service animals?

As per the ADA, when a person with a service animal enters a public facility or place of public accommodation, the person cannot be asked about the nature or extent of his disability.

Only two questions may be asked:

1. Is the animal required because of a disability?the-mirror-icon_lifestyle_shopping_walmart

2. What work or task has the animal been trained to perform?

Service animals must be harnessed or leashed unless a person's disability prevents them from doing so. In those cases, the individual must try to signal or use their voice to control their animals.

Pratt's service dog helps her pick up items she cannot reach, according to the NY Post.

The Albany Police confirmed that they responded to the calls made by Crystal and the employees. Police stated that they stayed with her until she finished shopping, CBS affiliate WRGB-TV reported.

How did Walmart respond to the incident involving Crystal Pratt?

“Walmart values every customer interaction and is committed to providing a welcoming, inclusive, and respectful shopping experience for all,” a Walmart spokesperson told WRGB.

“Service animals are welcome in our stores, and we are committed to following ADA guidelines and applicable state laws.”