A 5-year-old Boston terrier therapy dog that rides mini motorcycles has been stripped of his license due to his outfit. Chopper the Bike Dog has visited numerous hospitals in the San Diego area over the years, offering comfort and joy to the sick and injured.

Pet Partners, a non-profit group that insures therapy dogs, took away Chopper’s license as a therapy dog for dressing up in a black Harley Davidson vest, bandana and goggles. According to Pet Partners, its policy follows guidelines set by the International Association of Human-Animal Interaction Organizations, which prohibits therapy dogs from wearing adorable costumes.

Chopper’s owner claims the biker costume is essential to treating injured and sick patients, but Pet Partners argues costumes can impair a therapy dog’s ability to see and perform its job. It is possible that with more publicity and support for Chopper, he can continue riding motorcycles with his owner and helping people recover.

How Can Therapy Dogs Help Accident Survivors Recover?

Therapy dogs are commonly used to help accident survivors, veterans and retirement home residents. According to the Director of Education and Volunteer Services for Halifax Health, therapy dogs can lower blood pressure and relieve stress. In some hospitals, therapy dogs can help accident survivors and veterans overcome symptoms associated with post-traumatic stress disorder.

Therapy dogs have been used to reduce stress in the aftermath of several national tragedies, such as the Oklahoma City bombing and Hurricane Katrina.

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