Minneapolis McDonald’s Sued After Service Dog Kicked Out

A Minneapolis man with muscular dystrophy is suing the owner of a McDonald’s restaurant as well as the corporation, saying he was the victim of discrimination because he and his service dog were kicked out of the establishment.

Robert Mingo, 52, who uses a wheelchair, is seeking unspecified damages as a result of his treatment at the Minneapolis franchise. Mingo’s lawsuit says he was kicked out of the McDonald’s last May after a manager demanded documentation that his service dog was legitimate. The Border Collie-Springer Spaniel mix named Max helps Mingo with daily activities, including opening and closing doors, picking up laundry and removing clothing, the lawsuit said.

Mingo also wants employees to be educated about the federal Disabilities Act.

“The best thing that could come out of this,” Mingo told the Star Tribune “is that all McDonald’s employees are required to undergo sensitivity training concerning people with disabilities.”

Mingo said he also visited the same restaurant in August 2012 and was told at the counter that the dog prevented him from being served. And when he rolled up to the drive-through, he was also told he could not be served, according to the lawsuit. Once back inside, Mingo finally was allowed to buy food but was told not to return.

The lawsuit filed in federal court names franchise owner Tim Baylor and the McDonald’s corporation.

Baylor, said in a statement that he takes “complaints like this seriously (and) we do our best to provide a great customer experience to every customer.”