Pa. court rules disabled veteran can’t get extra food stamps for his service dog

Pa. court denies food stamps to man’s service dog

HARRISBURG, Pa. — Food stamps won’t be helping a disabled man fill his service dog’s food bowl.

A Pennsylvania appeals court ruled Tuesday against James Douris of the Philadelphia suburb of Newtown. It upheld a decision by the state welfare agency denying him additional support.

The 55-year-old Douris is a disabled, unemployed veteran who lives alone and relies on the dog to pull his wheelchair and fetch items.

Douris says the dog requires supplemental nutrition because of its work on his behalf and should be considered a dependent member of his household where food stamps are concerned.

The court says the law is clear that animals don’t qualify.