[nagdu] From GDB: Good News for guide dog handlers in California

[Criminal Justice Major Extraordinaire]

Hi, all,
Just saw this on another guide dog related list and figured to pass along.
Bibi and MAR son Odie
orleans24 at comcast.net
Sent: Wednesday, October 01, 2014 5:07 PM
Subject: From GDB: Good News for guide dog handlers in California
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Contact: Michael Miiller 
September 26, 2014
(916) 319-2010 or (916) 204-0485 
 Michael.miiller at asm.ca.gov 
Assemblymember Levine’s Guide Dogs Legislation Signed Into Law 
Governor Brown Signs Assembly Bill 2264 
Last weekend, Governor Edmund G. Brown, Jr. signed into law AB 2264 by Assemblymember Marc Levine (D-San Rafael). This bill makes victims of guide, signal or service dog attacks eligible for compensation for their injuries under the Victims Compensation Fund. 
“This bill protects assistance dogs that make independence possible for thousands of Californians who live with disabilities,” said Levine. “Guide, signal and service dogs are highly trained animals. AB 2264 ensures that in the terrible case that these dogs suffer an attack, their owners will be compensated for their injuries.” 
Theresa Stern, Director of Outreach and Alumni Services at Guide Dogs for the Blind said, “A guide dog serves as the eyes of its handler and when the dog is injured it is akin to having one’s own body compromised.” Having suffered through an attack of her own guide dog, Stern says “As a blind person I rely on my guide dog to live an independent and productive life. In instances where the handler of the attacking dog is not able to compensate the victim for medical costs it is crucial that the victim have access to funding for such purposes.” 
Under current law, it is a criminal offense to cause injury, whether intentional or unintentional, to a guide, signal or service dog. Furthermore, those convicted of violating this law are held accountable by owing restitution to the victim for the harm caused. However, if the individual is financially unable to provide immediate compensation, the victim can face significant of out-of-pocket veterinary bills. By providing reimbursement through the Victims Compensation Fund, this bill ensures that victims of these attacks can access medical care for their assistance dog. 
AB 2264 was supported by Guide Dogs for the Blind, Canine Companions and Crime Victims United. 
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Assemblymember Levine represents the 10th Assembly District, which includes Marin County and southern Sonoma County.