[Perform-talk] OT: PA Bill to protect service animals passes House
Donna Hill
penatwork at epix.net
Thu Mar 10 16:33:51 UTC 2011
Hi Friends,
This was posted to the NFB of PA list yesterday.
Donna
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 8, 2011
Evans' Bill to Help Protect Service Animals Receives House Endorsement
HARRISBURG, PA - Legislation that will help protect service animals from
attacks by other animals has won the endorsement of the Pennsylvania
House of Representatives, said Rep. John Evans (R-Erie/Crawford), author
of the measure.
"Service animals, in particular, are trained not to fight back in an
attack with another animal, and as a result, can suffer even greater
injuries," said Evans, who has been working to obtain legislative
approval for this bill for the past three sessions.
Specifically, House Bill 165 would set criminal and civil penalties on
individuals who own or co-own a dog that kills, maims or disfigures 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.
If found to be in violation, the offender would face a first-degree
misdemeanor and face up to $1,000 and/or jail time of up to two years.
In addition to any other fine or penalty, a person convicted under this
new law would 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.
"These service animals reflect a significant investment of the time,
training and expense of their owners," Evans said. "For owners of dogs
that are prone to attack to recklessly and willfully allow their animals
to seriously injure a service dog and then to escape civil and criminal
liability is unfair. Our laws must address this type of irresponsible
behavior on the part of these pet owners."
Evans pointed out that his legislation is not designed to punish
responsible pet owners, but to add teeth to state law so that owners who
purposely allow their dogs to run loose will be more accountable for
their dog's actions.
The legislation now heads to the state Senate for consideration.
--
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