Janet Cliff, who has asthma, said she asked the library to remove the rabbits because they are known allergy triggers, and supported her case that non-service animals are not allowed in public buildings by citing examples of legal actions filed in similar situations, the Ruidoso News reported May 27.
Village Manager Lorri McKnight said she wasn’t sure the rabbits’ presence violated the Americans with Disabilities Act, but that she nevertheless tried to work out an acceptable agreement between Cliff and the library, including a suggestion that library staff take reading material for Cliff’s daughter to the adult section or outside to Cliff’s car. “I offered various accommodations, but none met with her approval,” McKnight said.
The rabbits were moved at the end of May to a nature walk habitat. “We hope maybe they can come back and visit from time to time,” said head librarian Phyllis Reed.
Posted June 2, 2003.