ORDINANCE
WHEREAS, the City of Chicago is a home rule unit government pursuant to the 1970 Illinois Constitution, Article VII, Section 6(a); and
WHEREAS, pursuant to its home rule power, the City of Chicago may exercise any power and perform any function relating to its government and affairs, including the power to regulate for the protection of the public health, safety, morals, and welfare; and
WHEREAS, under the American's With Disabilities Act (ADA), businesses and organizations that serve the public must allow people with disabilities to bring their service animals into all areas of the facility where customers are normally allowed to go; and
WHEREAS, the ADA applies to all businesses open to the public, including restaurants, hotels, taxies and shuttles, grocery and department stores, hospitals and medical offices, theaters, health clubs, parks and zoos; and
WHEREAS, numerous news reports have referenced the recent trend of individuals using fake service dogs to access public places where pets are not allowed; and
WHEREAS, the problem is so widespread that the nation's largest breeding and training program for services dogs has launched an online petition asking the U.S. Department of Justice to address service dog fraud and prohibit the online sale of illegitimate service dog certification products; and
WHEREAS, the practice of using fake service animals provokes resentment against individuals with disabilities who rely on their highly trained dogs to perform daily life activities; and
WHEREAS, fake service dogs, which are not properly trained to access all public places, create a public safety issue for people with disabilities, their service animals, and the public at large; NOW THEREFORE
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICAGO:
SECTION 1. The above recitals are expressly incorporated herein and made part hereof as though fully set forth herein.
SECTION 2. Chapter 8-4 of the Municipal Code of Chicago is hereby amended by insert...
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