Service rabbit derails return home
Niagara Falls woman stranded in Paris, Ont., when Via Rail denies furry friend
A Niagara Falls woman is scrambling to find a way home after being told by Via Rail she cannot ride with her service rabbit.
Autumn Evoy has treatmentresistant anxiety and often experiences panic attacks.
She says the rabbit, named Thumper, helps her to manage the panic attacks. She adopted the black rabbit six months ago and he is her constant companion.
“I know it’s out of the ordinary,” the 19-year-old said. “I wanted a service animal and I didn’t know it would end up being a rabbit.”
Evoy had been in Paris, Ont., last week to visit her parents.
When she called Via to book a ticket to Niagara, she was told Thumper wasn’t welcome.
“I told them I have a service animal that is required due to a disability,” she said.
“Basically, I was told they only allow service dogs and wouldn’t allow him on.”
A Via Rail spokesperson said in a statement to The Niagara Falls Review that the company’s policy
is in accordance with the Canadian Transportation Agency’s Code of Practice.
The code defines a service animal as “an animal that is required by a person with a disability for assistance and is certified, in writing, as having been trained to assist a person with a disability by a professional service animal institution.”
Thumper is not a professionally-trained service animal. Evoy trained the rabbit herself.
She maintains Thumper is a service animal, not a therapy animal, and he should be welcomed in areas afforded to service dogs.
A service animal helps individuals perform tasks while therapy animals, also known as emotional support animals, provide comfort and affection.
Evoy said Thumper is trained to provide deep pressure therapy which provides relief when she experiences a panic attack.
“He puts pressure from his body on my chest,” she explained. “I use hand signs and he knows to stay and remain in that position.”
Meanwhile, Evoy is hoping to take a GO train to Niagara on Monday.
“I called and was told if he’s a service animal there shouldn’t be a problem,” she said. “I think I’ll be fine.”