Housing board said Southwest Virginia landlord discriminated against couple with emotional support dog

A Southwest Virginia couple claimed a legal victory over an apartment complex landlord who threatened eviction because of their emotional support dog.

Attorney General Mark Herring said the newly-created Office of Civil Rights assisted Charlene and Michael Butler of Pulaski County in the case. The Butlers provided clinical proof of Charlene’s need for the animal while living at Deerfield Village townhouses.

The landlord, Jeffery Stump, refused the request then wrote a threat of eviction because he said the couple violated the pet policy. Investigators said Stump discriminated against them, was ordered to pay $30,000 in compensation and was ordered to attend fair housing training for three years.