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

[Aaron Cannon]

Thanks for passing along the info.  I think, however, the person who
wrote this should reach out to NAGDU next time for help in writing
their press releases.

"This bill makes victims of guide, signal or service dog attacks
eligible for compensation for their injuries under the Victims
Compensation Fund."

I didn't realize that there were many people suffering attacks from
guide, signal or service dogs.

Hopefully the law is written more clearly.

Aaron

On 10/2/14, Criminal Justice Major Extraordinaire via nagdu
<nagdu at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 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.
> # # #
> Assemblymember Levine represents the 10th Assembly District, which includes
> Marin County and southern Sonoma County.
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