A British Columbia man has won a legal battle to keep his beloved Great Dane in his condo, despite the building’s strict no-pet policy.
The decision was made by the B.C. Human Rights Tribunal, which ruled that the man’s disability and need for a service animal outweighed the condo’s bylaws.
The man, who has not been named, suffers from anxiety and depression and relies on his Great Dane, named Zeus, for emotional support. He had been living in the condo for over a year when the building’s strata council informed him that he would have to get rid of Zeus or face fines.
The man filed a complaint with the Human Rights Tribunal, arguing that Zeus was a necessary accommodation for his disability. The strata council argued that the man had not provided sufficient evidence of his disability and that allowing one exception to the no-pet policy would open the door for others to do the same.
However, the tribunal found that the man had provided ample evidence of his disability and the need for a service animal. They also noted that the man had been a responsible pet owner and had not caused any issues in the building.
In their decision, the tribunal stated that “the strata’s bylaws, while important for maintaining the building’s appearance and safety, cannot override the human rights of individuals with disabilities.”
The ruling has been praised by disability advocates, who say it sets an important precedent for the rights of individuals with disabilities to have service animals in their homes.
The man’s lawyer, who specializes in human rights cases, also commended the decision, stating that “this case highlights the importance of recognizing and accommodating the needs of individuals with disabilities, even in situations where it may not be convenient for others.”
The strata council has not yet commented on the ruling, but it is expected that they will have to amend their bylaws to allow for service animals in the building.
For the man and his Great Dane, the ruling means they can continue living together in their home without fear of being forced apart.
