A new law in the state of New York makes it illegal for people to “knowingly affix to any dog any false or improper identification” that designates the animal is a guide, service or therapy dog. The law, which went into effect in late 2017, states that violators are subject to a fine of up to $100, up to 15 days of jail time or both. As many as 19 other states have enacted similar laws banning the misrepresentation of service animals.
Thumbnail: Photography by Chuck Wagner / Shutterstock.
Jackie Brown is a freelance writer from Southern California who specializes in the pet industry. Reach her at jackiebrownwriter.wordpress.com.
Editor’s note: This article first appeared in Dogster magazine. Have you seen the new Dogster print magazine in stores? Or in the waiting room of your vet’s office? Subscribe now to get Dogster magazine delivered straight to you!
Read more about service dogs on Dogster.com:
3 thoughts on “New York is the Latest State to Crack Down on Fake Service Dogs”
I live in NY and these crazy, mostly older women, are abusing the privilege horribly. It’s a health issue to those who have compromised immune systems, but the state doesn’t care about their rights.
The law would be way more effective if they changed the penalty. Problem solved overnight.
Pingback: New York is the Latest State to Crack Down on Fake Service Dogs | Speaking of Pets at Rescue Pet Supply