$250 fine If You Pass Your Pet Off as a “Service Animal”
Arizona has had enough of people passing off their pets as “service animals”.
Later this summer it will be illegal to pass off a pet as a “service animal”; violators will be fined $250 PER OCCURRENCE. House Bill 2588
The new Arizona law “A PERSON MAY NOT FRAUDULENTLY MISREPRESENT AN ANIMAL AS A SERVICE ANIMAL OR SERVICE ANIMAL IN TRAINING TO A PERSON OR ENTITY THAT OPERATES A PUBLIC PLACE. A COURT OR DULY APPOINTED HEARING OFFICER MAY IMPOSE ON THE PERSON MISREPRESENTING THE ANIMAL IN VIOLATION OF THIS SUBSECTION A CIVIL PENALTY OF NOT MORE THAN TWO HUNDRED FIFTY DOLLARS FOR EACH VIOLATION.”
Business owners already have the right to ask someone to leave if his or her pet is causing a disruption and are permitted to ask for the purpose of the animal under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
A local Prescott McDonald’s implemented a sign asking pet owners not to lie about whether their pet is a service animal or not. (Photo: Kyle Peterson)
In my opinion this situation has become an epidemic. You cannot go into a store, movie house or restaurant without seeing someone carting around a little dog with a “service dog” vest. Really – who are they kidding??
Do you really want to use a grocery cart that previously held a pet which could now be laced with fleas, feces or urine. Do you really want that junk on the food in your grocery cart? How about those who are allergic to animals? They have no idea that the grocery cart handles are ripe with pet leftovers and don’t understand why they are going into a sneezing fit or, worse anaphylactic shock from a serious allergy to pet dander?
Don’t get me wrong – I have no problem with real service dogs. They are responsible for helping our most vulnerable. My family and friends will tell you that I LOVE animals. Animals have been part of my life for as long as I can remember. But, I don’t want animals in the grocery store, certainly not in my grocery cart, nor in a restaurant where I am eating and not in a movie. Please leave your pets at home where they are comfortable and safe.
Like us on Facebook for more info like this
Share this post:
About the Author:
Diane L. Drain is a well known and respected Arizona bankruptcy attorney. She is an expert in both consumer bankruptcy and Arizona foreclosure. Since 1985 she has been a dedicated advocate for her clients and spokesperson for Arizona citizens. As a teacher and retired law professor, Diane believes in offering everyone, not just her clients, advice about the Arizona bankruptcy and foreclosure laws. She is also a mentor to hundreds of Arizona attorneys. 
I would be flattered if you connected with me on GOOGLE+
*Important Note from Diane: Everything on this web site is available for educational purposes only, is not intended to provide legal advice nor create an attorney client relationship between you, me, or the author of any article. Any information in this web site should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from an attorney familiar with your personal circumstances and licensed to practice law in your state.*
The post $250 fine If You Pass Your Pet Off as a “Service Animal” appeared first on Diane L. Drain - Phoenix Bankruptcy & Foreclosure Attorney.
Updated daily, this blog will keep you informed on the latest bankruptcy news! 
Learn more about how Bankruptcy works and what you need to know.