Get Marty: Owner Angry After Being Cited For Having Service Dog Off-Leash

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - A man with disabilities and his service dog reached out to Get Marty for help.

"I just want to be able to walk my dog in the park," says Timothy Wright.

The Pittsburgh man has diabetes and severe arthritis. He also has a service dog that alerts him if his blood sugar is low and he needs insulin.

He walks his dog, Christopher, every day in Frick Park. He says he cannot use a leash because his dog has pulled him down.

"I've had cracked ribs from falling in the park," says Wright.

The problem is, Pittsburgh does not allow off-leash dogs in city parks. But by federal law, Wright says he can have his service dog off leash.

Recently, Wright got a ticket from the city for an "off-leash dog." He's not happy about it.

"I will not accept this," says Wright.

Our Get Marty team had attorney Blaine Jones look into the matter. We also had the city of Pittsburgh take a look.

"Timothy has a very good case. He's on the right side of the law here," says Jones.

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Meantime, the City of Pittsburgh says it will comply with state and federal law. Chief-of-Staff Kevin Acklin says they will withdrawal the ticket if need be.

He also says he wants all city residents to feel comfortable in the parks, especially residents with disabilities.

If you'd like Marty to help you solve your problem, email him at GetMarty@kdka.com.