FIRST ON 3: Store owner who kicked out service dog apologizes

It’s been two days since we first told you about Robert Bryant, who owns a western wear shop in Castle Hayne. Monday, he kicked out a service dog that helps a 5-year-old girl who has cerebral palsy, because he said he had a strict “no pets” policy.

Today he talked with WWAY’s Hailey Winslow and apologized for his decision.

“Honey, I try to treat everybody who comes through my door with respect and honor,” says Western Shop Owner Robert Bryant. But the Ivancevich family didn’t feel respected.

Robert Bryant kicked five-year old Amanda and her service dog “ELLIE” out of his Western Shop Monday. It was the first time Amanda had been out of the house in a year. She has cerebral palsy, and is missing the left side of her brain. She relies on “Ellie” to get her through the day.

Bryant talked with me on camera about the story, and what he did earlier this week.

“I had no intentions of offending these people, and I apologize if I have,” says Bryant.

Bryant says he asked them to leave because he has a strict “no pets” policy, that “ELLIE” smelled, and he didn’t want her getting dog hair on the merchandise.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, a service animal is not a pet, and a business owner can only kick the dog out if it poses a threat to others.

Bryant says he didn’t know about the law. “I was not aware that there was a law that required me to let an animal into my store. I’ve got horses that i think a lot of, I’m not going to ride my horse through the door.”

President of Carolina Canines for Service Rick Hairston says this isn’t the first time Bryant has kicked out a service dog. “I know of several, beyond that, how many we don’t know about is probably more of an issue,” says Hairston.

Bryant contends though, he treats everyone fairly. “I don’t know that I’ve done anything wrong. But I don’t treat people mean, I don’t.”