Lisbon, IA: Disabled Vet & Service Dog Reportedly Kicked Out of Restaurant

Lisbon, IA, is in the national media following a July 3rd incident involving the owner of Whitey's Bar and Grill, a disabled war vet, and his service dog (though it's still listed as "not verified" -- apparently anyone can post stories on CNN's website, which CNN may or may not investigate):

A disabled, American war vet, Chazz Russell, wishing to dine with his service dog at Whitey's Bar and Grill, Lisbon, Iowa, was discriminated against and then viciously attacked by bar owner Daron "Whitey" Rubner.

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), privately owned businesses that serve the public, such as restaurants, hotels, retail stores, taxicabs, theaters, concert halls, and sports facilities, are prohibited from discriminating against individuals with disabilities. The ADA requires these businesses to allow people with disabilities to bring their service animals onto business premises in whatever areas customers are generally allowed. The bar owner questioned the vet about the authenticity of the service dog and the vet responded that he would be willing to go home and bring back the certification, but technically, business owners are not legally able to insist to see the paperwork.

Bar owner, Daron Rubner's response to the vet was to rant about no dogs being allowed in his establishment, and how the vet “must be lying” about being disabled. He then viciously attacked the vet. Police were summoned and charges against the establishment are pending.

A group of supporters currently plan to rally at the bar on July 26th to "let them know its NOT OK to discriminate against OUR vets."

You can read first hand accounts by the vet and a friend here and here.

As far as I can tell, there's been no online response so far from Whitey's Bar and Grill, or from the owner.