Cool, El Dorado County (Jan 2 2024) – In a quirky turn of events, the quiet town of Cool in El Dorado County witnessed a unique spectacle on New Year’s Eve as two horseback riders took a casual shopping trip through the aisles of the local Holiday Market. The entire escapade, from saddling up to self-checkout, was captured on camera, leaving both shoppers and store employees in awe.
However, this equestrian excursion came with a caveat – the horses left their mark, quite literally, on the store floors, prompting an unexpected cleanup operation for store employees. Riley Redenbaugh, a witness and store employee, humorously shared the experience of being tasked with the less glamorous aspect of the horses’ visit.
While the store manager seemed to take the incident in stride, expressing a welcoming attitude towards the riders, it appears the law might have a different view. California’s Retail Food code generally prohibits live animals inside grocery stores, with limited exceptions for service dogs.
The El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office has taken note of the incident and is currently evaluating whether any charges should be recommended. The horseback riders may find themselves facing more than just a stern look for their unconventional shopping spree.
< UPDATE > Reported but UNCONFIRMED: “I have the names of both riders, and yes the female rider works for Eldorado Sheriff’s Office. I don’t know if she is actual deputy or not. But she is employed by them. They were riding in the intersection of 193 and 49 drunk. They tied the horses up by the reins/bit in front of the saloon. Which is a super bad thing to do. Leather reins break really easy. The headstall can very easily be completely pulled off. Not to mention if the horse pulls back, the bit can crack and break the horse’s teeth.”
As the town of Cool returns to its usual quietude, the tale of these grocery store equestrians will likely become a memorable footnote in the local folklore, adding a touch of whimsy to the town’s history.
— THE LAW —
The California Retail Food Code (CalCode), Section 114259.5 (a) does not allow live animals in a food facility. However, Cal Code makes exceptions for some animals, including service animals as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Questions arise as to what qualifies as a service animal and the legal issues surrounding this topic.
California law allows persons with disabilities to bring trained service dogs and psychiatric service dogs, but not emotional support animals.
California Retail Food Code §113903 – “Service animal” means any dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability, or that is in training to do that work or perform those tasks. “Service animal” does not include any other species of animals, whether wild or domestic, trained or untrained.
The crime deterrent effects of an animal’s presence and the provision of emotional support, well-being, comfort, or companionship do not constitute work or tasks for the purposes of this subdivision.
Service dog fraud is prohibited under California Penal Code 365.7 PC. A violation of this law can result in a criminal misdemeanor offense and a jail term of six months.
