We received a call about a pit bull at a local gym, so Florida Fluffs Senior Investigative Journalist Patrick Miller had to look into it.
Inside the gym, it was easy to spot her—Spike, a pit bull, was jumping on the weight bench and pawing at equipment like he owned the place, while other patrons looked on, unsure whether to intervene or laugh. Liz Waterson of Dade City, Spike’s owner, laughed as she posed for photos. “I can’t believe how easy it was,” she said. “A $15 Amazon service dog vest ,and I just outsmarted the system.”
When questioned about if her dog was friendly or not, Liz shrugged. “Well, he does like to bite, but it’s just love nibbles,” she said, brushing off concerns as Spike bounded from bench to bench, knocking over a water bottle and startling a couple of gym-goers.
One gym patron, clearly frustrated, shook his head. “This is ridiculous,” he said. “Who lets a dog just run all over equipment? People come here to work out, not dodge a pit bull. It’s unsafe and disrespectful.”
Fake service dogs like Spike create real problems. Dogs with aggressive tendencies in public spaces, allergy risks for patrons, and an atmosphere of doubt make life harder for people who truly depend on their animals. Local enforcement rarely steps in, leaving gyms and businesses caught between liability and federal rules that discourage questioning anyone.
The story isn’t just about Liz—it’s about the loopholes. With inexpensive tags and vests readily available, fake service dogs can enter public spaces without consequence, putting both people and businesses at risk. Beyond bites and allergic reactions, dogs in public spaces can carry fleas, ticks, and other parasites that spread disease, creating another layer of danger for unsuspecting patrons.
Should the public turn a blind eye to this?
So now the question falls to you, the reader: Should Florida tighten its laws? Should businesses be allowed to verify service dogs without fear of ADA lawsuits?
If you believe people with genuine medical needs deserve protection, call your Florida state representative and demand change. While Liz laughs about Spike’s “love nibbles,” the bite being taken out of public safety is anything but harmless.