Mitchell Slaugh's parrot, Kai, is a registered support animal, but Slaugh was told to leave a WA store because he had the parrot with him. (Source: KEPR/CNN) KENNEWICK, WA (KEPR/CNN) - The parrot, named Kai, is not just a pet. Shes Mitchell Slaughs emotional service animal.
Shes my baby. Shes my companion, Slaugh said. I need her and she needs me.
Slaugh is registered to have Kai o his shoulder as his support system. As Slaugh said, Were tied together.
So it was like any other day for the Slaugh family when they walked into a Winco store to get groceries on Saturday.
That was until the store told him his parrot had to go.
I just went in there to grab a couple items for dinner, and I had grabbed three of the five items I needed, and one of the store clerks said I couldnt have a pet in the store, he said.
When he explained to store management that Kai was a registered service animal, he realized there is a loophole in the law.
Service animals in Washington state are only described as dogs or small horses, making it legal for the store to kick Slaugh and his parrot out.
I have owned parrots for about seven years now and I have never been kicked out of anywhere for having a parrot with me, he said.
Mitchell Slaugh has owned Kai for a year now, and his wife, Mary, already can see a change.
Having abnormal thing on his shoulder makes him a normal person, she said.
KEPR spoke to the store's manager, who acknowledged that the incident happened and referred the station to the stores corporate office. The station reached out to the corporate office but has not heard back.
Mitchell Slaugh said he probably wont be going back into Winco, and he hope more people understand the feathers on his shoulder.
The bond i have with her is very similar to that of a toddler, he said.