Veteran awarded $25K after former Nittany Mall business denied service dog entry

Bret Pallotto, Centre Daily Times (State College, Pa.)Centre Daily Times

A Vietnam veteran was awarded $25,000 on Friday after he alleged a now-closed inflatable play center inside the Nittany Mall violated disability law by denying him entry with his service dog.

Christopher C. Taylor, of Spring Township, was awarded the payment after U.S. District Judge Julia K. Munley found he presented credible evidence of embarrassment and humiliation after he was turned away from K n B’s Inflatables.

Munley ordered the business to pay, in part, because it had not participated in the lawsuit for more than 2 1/2 years. After acknowledging the lawsuit in its earliest stages, Munley said the business then disappeared from the litigation process.

Taylor, his grandson and other family members went to the business in February 2022. After purchasing tickets, Taylor said he was told he had to leave because the business’ insurer did not provide coverage for dogs and other customers may have had allergies.

Taylor, who has post-traumatic stress disorder, attempted to explain and show documentation Zeke was his service and support animal to no avail. The business then threatened to call the police if he did not leave.

A State College police officer arrived and spoke with Taylor for about 15 minutes while dozens of onlookers lingered. Munley wrote that one person returned several times “apparently interested in the substance of the discussion.”

Taylor testified K n B’s owners were laughing and making fun of him as he spoke to the officer, something he said made him feel “horrible” and “upset.” His 5-year-old grandson also left the mall crying.

In her ruling, Munley said his testimony was credible and his emotions were “discernible in the courtroom three years later.”

Taylor also sued the borough over the officer’s response, but the municipality was dropped from the lawsuit in February. Munley said he did not show that officer Amanda Estep discriminated against him.

In fact, the judge said Estep “treated all parties equally” and opted against a heavy-handed approach. No charges or citations were issued.

A message left with Taylor’s attorney was not immediately returned Monday.

Nittany Mall posted its service animals policy on Facebook Monday, which states that service animals and service animals in training are permitted.