We're just now catching wind of the fact that, back in March, the federal government quietly changed the definition of "service animal" under the Americans With Disabilities Act to include only dogs and (get this) "small horses" who provide approved types of assistance for those with physical disabilities. San Francisco has for some time embraced a much broader definition of "service animal," including those that provide emotional and psychological support, and the city says it will continue to follow state guidelines in that regard. more ›

You've probably noticed that there are a great many "service animals" on Muni and elsewhere these days, and this is due in large part to the laxness with which the City's policy on service dogs is enforced, and due to the fear of legal reprisals on the part of Muni drivers, landlords and others who don't want to end up in federal court on discrimination charges. SF Weekly's Joe Eskanazi takes a thorough look this week at the dicey issue of service dogs and the many and sundry pets masquerading as service animals on public transportation and in SROs all over town. more ›