[nagdu] Fwd: New Law Protects Service Dogs - WICU12/WSEE Erie, PA News, Sports, Weather and Events

[Buddy Brannan]

--
Buddy Brannan, KB5ELV - Erie, PA
Phone: (814) 860-3194 or 888-75-BUDDY



Begin forwarded message:

> From: Passle Helminski <passle at roadrunner.com>
> Subject: New Law Protects Service Dogs - WICU12/WSEE Erie, PA News, Sports, Weather and Events
> Date: August 7, 2012 10:06:53 AM EDT
> To: buddy at brannan.name
> 
>> Video on link.
>> 
>> http://www.erietvnews.com/story/19208079/new-law-protects-service-dogs
>> 
>> New Law Protects Service Dogs
>> 
>> Email
>> Print
>> Text Size
>> Posted: Aug 06, 2012 4:29 PM EDT Updated: Aug 06, 2012 4:29 PM EDT
>> Pennsylvania has a new law to protect the service dogs used by 
>> people who are blind, deaf or physically impaired.  A local woman is 
>> responsible for getting House Bill 165 on the books. Three of Passle 
>> Helminski's service dogs have been attacked by other dogs.  She's 
>> been pushing for the legislation for fifteen years and credits State 
>> Representative, John Evans with helping to get it through.
>> 
>> Attacks on service dogs are a fairly common problem. When the 
>> specially trained dogs are at work, their mind is on the job, not on 
>> protecting themselves against attacks from other animals.  When 
>> service dogs are attacked the resulting physical and psychological 
>> issues mean more than one third of them are never able to return to 
>> work. Now, those attacks will be punishable under state law.
>> 
>> House Bill 165 makes it a third degree misdemeanor if your dog 
>> attacks a service dog and you'll pay a five thousand dollar fine. 
>> If a dog owner could have restrained their dog and prevented the 
>> attack, they may also be forced to pay veterinary bills, and pay the 
>> cost of retraining or replacing the service dog.
>> 
>> Helminski and her service dog are heading to Harrisburg for a 
>> ceremonial signing of the bill later this week.
>