Forget guide dogs. A Springfield woman wants her pet monkey to be allowed into local restaurants with her as a service animal.

Debby Rose says her bonnet macaque monkey, Richard, provides emotional support that allows her to overcome an anxiety disorder and go out in public places.

Rose said the federal Americans With Disabilities Act should allow the practice. And at first, the local health department agreed.

But after complaints from at least one customer at a buffet-style restaurant, the department determined that the ADA doesn’t cover monkeys as service animals.

“Bottom line is, the monkey performs no service for her (Rose) under the definition of government regulations and cannot be classified and, therefore, cannot go into a food establishment,” assistant health department director Ron Boyer said.