Proposed bill to penalize lying about service animals in Massachusetts

It seems like it’s becoming more rampant these days that pet owners pretend their dogs are service animals.

The A Bill H 3657, which was filed by Rep. Kimberly Ferguson, will give a civil infraction for people who lie about their dogs to be service animals to get special treatment.

“This is a bill about fraud,” said Ferguson. For the first offense, violators could be fined up to $500 and/or do 30 hours of community service for an organization related to people with disabilities, while a harsher penalty will be imposed succeeding offenses. 

Training will be done by the Massachusetts Office on Disability to better equip police officers and animal control personnel in catching violators.

So far, almost half of the 200-seat Legislature has expressed their support for the bill.

Article source: Bostonherald.com

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