HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Montana lawmakers are considering cracking down on fake service animals with a measure that would allow fines against people who misrepresent pets.
The Great Falls Tribune reports a state panel heard a bill Monday that would define service animals as dogs or miniature horses trained to aid a disabled person.
The measure would make it a misdemeanor offense if someone is found guilty of misrepresenting a pet as a service animal.
William Austin, a veteran who uses a service dog, told lawmakers that he has seen too many cases of people "falsifying" pets as service animals.
He says too many of these dogs do not behave in establishments.
Critics say the bill goes too far and might go beyond rules already outlined in the federal Americans with Disabilities Act.
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Information from: Great Falls Tribune, http://www.greatfallstribune.com
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