Therapy duck ‘Wrinkle’ denied entry inside Tennessee store

PetRescueReport.com is here to quack you up with a story that’s ruffled some feathers (or, well, displaced some down). A recent incident in Tennessee has sparked outrage online, concerning a man and his emotional support duck being denied entry to a Buc-ee’s convenience store.

The details are still murky. According to a YouTube video posted by Justin Wood, the man, who suffers from anxiety, was accompanied by his registered therapy duck when attempting to enter the Buc-ee’s. While emotional support animals (ESAs) are increasingly common, questions arise concerning the specific regulations for unusual companions like ducks in public spaces.

Wrinkle had been in a stroller for most of the visit, but because of his popularity, he did have a few infamous moments on the store’s floor coming out with a “high five” feather greeting to some of the customers present.

As the two entered the store, an employee stopped them and told them only service dogs were allowed, however Wood assured the employee that Wrinkle was a “service duck.” It had been another employee who then approached the pair, and told them they would both have to leave the store because pets were not allowed. And, then there had been a third employee who told Wood that the duck could fly and would not be contained in the cart which could pose a sanitary danger where food is present to other shoppers.

Therapy Animals vs. Service Animals

It’s important to distinguish between therapy animals and service animals. Service animals, like guide dogs, are specially trained to assist people with disabilities in specific tasks. They are legally allowed access to most public spaces, including stores and restaurants.

Therapy animals, on the other hand, provide emotional comfort and support. While there’s growing recognition of their benefits, federal law doesn’t guarantee them access to public businesses. Individual stores often have their own policies regarding ESAs.

Buc-ee’s Response Needed

PetRescueReport.com has reached out to Buc-ee’s for comment on their specific policies regarding emotional support animals. We await their response to understand the rationale behind denying entry to this particular duck and its owner.

Is There a Fowl Play?

This incident raises questions about inclusivity and the evolving role of emotional support animals. Did Buc-ee’s have a legitimate concern, or was this a case of misunderstanding? When an employee explained a service dog has to be on a leash to be in a store, Wood asked if Wrinkle was leashed could she then be in the store accompanying him? The employee did agree, and with that Wood put an imaginary leash on the duck and continued to shop.

Once outside of the store, after making a purchase, a friendly police officer told Wood that Buc-ee’s wanted him banned from all the stores, and he would be charged with trespassing if spotted in another store either with or without Wrinkle.

What You Can Do

If you rely on an emotional support animal, it’s crucial to research local laws and store policies. Having documentation from a licensed mental health professional can strengthen your case.

Stay Tuned for Updates

PetRescueReport.com will continue to follow this story and provide updates as they become available. In the meantime, let us know your thoughts in the comments below. Did Buc-ee’s quack up? Or were there legitimate concerns? Share your opinion and help us advocate for responsible pet ownership and inclusivity for those who depend on animal companions for emotional well-being.

What do you think?

(Photo via screenshot from video)

Check out the video:

Buc-ee’s Pet Policy (Thank you to the NY Post for this information)

The Health Code prohibits live animals, including dogs, where food could potentially be contaminated. There are exceptions, however, for service animals and animals that work with police officers. For people with disabilities, specially trained service animals play an absolutely vital role. They make it possible for those with disabilities to work, travel, stay safe, and, in some cases, stay alive.”

Pet Policy

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