Once again, I have encountered a dog with no service-animal identification in a local grocery store and in a grocery cart where I place my food.

Small signs are posted on the doors stating only service animals are allowed in the store, but those signs are not enforced. Several of us have talked to management and corporate, but nothing is being done. Corporate says their stores are to abide by federal law, but neither them or their stores are enforcing the law. Federal law states no animals are to be in the carts.

Last week, a neighbor was nearly bitten by a dog in the store. The store’s manager did nothing. Dogs defecating in the store has been witnessed, with no owner contact from management. According to the Kitsap Public Health District, many calls have been received about this problem. They were to contact this store, but that was months ago.

Some owners have obtained service-animal vests for their non-service animals, so having the vest doesn’t mean it is a service animal. For those pet owners who are flaunting the law, please keep your pets out of the grocery stores or anywhere food is sold. It is quite offensive and your pet doesn’t have to be with you 24/7. And to store managers and personnel, do your job and enforce the law. Your stores are becoming dog parades. Not only is it ridiculous, but makes me wonder where your common sense has gone.

I’ve contacted my legislators about this health issue and encourage others concerned about this issue to contact their state legislators in support of HB 2032, which will be reintroduced next year. HB 2032 will further address the service-animal issue and hopefully strengthen the current laws.

Connie Diimmel

Bremerton