[nagdu] Evans' Service Dog Protection Bill Passes State House {TID:50094946:15285435}

[Tracy Carcione]

Hi Passle.
That's excellent!  Half your battle is won.  Now, if your senate passes
it, you're in business!  Good luck with the second half.
Tracy


>>Hi,
>
>
> I just got this from Rep. John Evans office.
>
>>
>>Passle and Tomboy Kate:  FYI
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
>>June 15, 2010
>>
>>Evans' Service Dog Protection Bill Passes State House
>>
>>HARRISBURG - The Pennsylvania House of Representatives today gave
>>its approval to legislation sponsored by Rep. John Evans
>>(R-Erie/Crawford) to further protect service animals.
>>
>>House Bill 123, which passed the House unanimously today,
>>establishes penalties for pet owners and co-owners who willfully and
>>recklessly allow their animals to seriously injure or kill a service
>>or guide dog. Specifically, the penalties would apply to the guide
>>dog of an individual who is blind, a hearing dog of an individual
>>who is deaf or audibly impaired or a service dog of an individual
>>who is physically limited.
>>
>>"Service animals cost a great deal of money and undergo extensive
>>training to be able to assist individuals who are blind, deaf or
>>physically limited, and in many cases, these animals are the only
>>means of independence and mobility to those they serve," Evans said.
>>"For these animals to be seriously harmed or killed by the willful
>>recklessness and maliciousness of another animal owner is
>>irresponsible. Penalties should be in place to send a clear message
>>to prevent these types of instances."
>>
>>Evans emphasized that the legislation is not intended to target
>>responsible pet owners. The proposal specifically speaks to dog
>>owners who repeatedly allow their vicious animals to run loose and
>>attack other animals, especially service dogs that are trained not
>>to fight back in an assault.
>>
>>If found to be in violation, the offender would face a second-degree
>>misdemeanor and a fine up to $5,000. In addition to the fine, a
>>person convicted under this new law may be required to make
>>reparations for veterinary costs in treating the guide, hearing or
>>service dog and, if necessary, the cost of a replacement dog.
>>
>>The legislation now heads to the state Senate for consideration.
>>
>># # #
>>
>>JAK/ael
>
>
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