ElizL🇨🇦🍁🐾 @EAL_Lu - Twitter Profile

Up early - working on a criminal case! Service animal handler was DRAGGED by an Uber driver after the driver refused the handler a ride due to their service dog! We were contacted by a service dog handler in Massachusetts who was not only denied service 3 times by @Uber, in less than two weeks, due to his service dog - but injured after being dragged along the road as the driver tried to accelerate away while the service dog handler was still partly in the vehicle! During the third incident the situation escalated dramatically. After the driver rolled down the window and refused service, repeating “no dogs,” the handler attempted to show Uber’s own service-animal policy on his phone. While the handler was partially leaned into the open window, the driver suddenly accelerated, dragging both the handler and his service dog to the ground. Thankfully, neither sustained life-threatening injuries, but the outcome could have been far worse. Denying access to a service dog team is illegal under both state law and the ADA—but using a vehicle to harm or endanger a disabled individual crosses into felony-level violence. There were witnesses, and the police were called. The driver was later located by police. This was not merely discrimination; it constitutes multiple criminal offenses under Massachusetts law, including: - Assault & Battery on a Disabled Person (M.G.L. c. 265 §13K) - Assault & Battery with a Dangerous Weapon — the vehicle (c. 265 §15A) - Reckless Operation to Endanger (c. 90 §24) - Leaving the Scene After Causing Personal Injury (c. 90 §24(2)(a½)). Uber's own written policy, based on federal law, requires drivers to transport riders with service animals, prohibiting refusal due to allergies, phobias, or "no pets" rules; drivers can't charge extra for them and face deactivation for violating this This is not just a "denial of service," or “just a traffic incident.” It’s a criminal matter, with multiple overlapping criminal offenses — including a serious felony possibility under the Massachusetts (M.G.L. c. 265, § 15A), for Assault and Battery with a Dangerous Weapon (ABDW) statute. We stand firmly with the handler and his service dog. No person with a disability should ever be placed in danger for attempting to access transportation, nor should any service dog team fear retaliation or violence when asserting their legal rights. We will continue advocating for accountability, stronger enforcement of service-animal protections, and the safety and dignity of disabled individuals who depend on their service dogs every day. We will advocate for this individual as they are looking to pursue criminal charges. More importantly, this individual wants to raise awareness and make Uber accountable so no other handler has to endure this treatment. We are looking for an attorney in Massachusetts willing to discuss this with them/us to determine next steps. This must stop!

sampson_dog's tweet photo. Up early - working on a criminal case! Service animal handler was DRAGGED by an Uber driver after the driver refused the handler a ride due to their service dog!

We were contacted by a service dog handler in Massachusetts who was not only denied service 3 times by @Uber, in less than two weeks, due to his service dog - but injured after being dragged along the road as the driver tried to accelerate away while the service dog handler was still partly in the vehicle!

During the third incident the situation escalated dramatically. After the driver rolled down the window and refused service, repeating “no dogs,” the handler attempted to show Uber’s own service-animal policy on his phone. While the handler was partially leaned into the open window, the driver suddenly accelerated, dragging both the handler and his service dog to the ground.

Thankfully, neither sustained life-threatening injuries, but the outcome could have been far worse. Denying access to a service dog team is illegal under both state law and the ADA—but using a vehicle to harm or endanger a disabled individual crosses into felony-level violence.

There were witnesses, and the police were called. The driver was later located by police. This was not merely discrimination; it constitutes multiple criminal offenses under Massachusetts law, including:

- Assault & Battery on a Disabled Person (M.G.L. c. 265 §13K)
- Assault & Battery with a Dangerous Weapon — the vehicle (c. 265 §15A)
- Reckless Operation to Endanger (c. 90 §24)
- Leaving the Scene After Causing Personal Injury (c. 90 §24(2)(a½)).

Uber's own written policy, based on federal law, requires drivers to transport riders with service animals, prohibiting refusal due to allergies, phobias, or "no pets" rules; drivers can't charge extra for them and face deactivation for violating this

This is not just a "denial of service," or “just a traffic incident.” It’s a criminal matter, with multiple overlapping criminal offenses — including a serious felony possibility under the Massachusetts (M.G.L. c. 265, § 15A), for Assault and Battery with a Dangerous Weapon (ABDW) statute.

We stand firmly with the handler and his service dog. No person with a disability should ever be placed in danger for attempting to access transportation, nor should any service dog team fear retaliation or violence when asserting their legal rights.

We will continue advocating for accountability, stronger enforcement of service-animal protections, and the safety and dignity of disabled individuals who depend on their service dogs every day. We will advocate for this individual as they are looking to pursue criminal charges. More importantly, this individual wants to raise awareness and make Uber accountable so no other handler has to endure this treatment.

We are looking for an attorney in Massachusetts willing to discuss this with them/us to determine next steps. This must stop!

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ElizL🇨🇦🍁🐾 @EAL_Lu

9 months ago

@CanadianPenny1 ❤️

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@sjfin97

ElizL🇨🇦🍁🐾 @EAL_Lu

9 months ago

@servicerotties @CanadianPenny1 So beautiful 😢❤️

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ElizL🇨🇦🍁🐾 @EAL_Lu

9 months ago

@CanadianPenny1 I’m so very sorry to hear this news, Penny was such a bright light and sweet soul. May she rest in peace. Sending much love to you all ❤️

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ElizL🇨🇦🍁🐾 @EAL_Lu

9 months ago

@CanadianPenny1 Sending lots of love and healing thoughts to you. Hope you feel better soon! So glad mom and dad could come see you. ❤️

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ElizL🇨🇦🍁🐾 @EAL_Lu

9 months ago

@servicerotties So important to make sure they get enough rest! It may seem they need attention … but really need a good sleep! Looking forward to learning more of your tips as you train Kenji!

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