Service animal imposters

Austin American-Statesman
Category: Service Animals
Level: National
This article is concerning an issue that individuals/families face.

Why it is important: These fake service animals are not trained the way real service animals are, meaning they are less likely to be as well behaved as real service dogs and could potentially pose a threat to the people in these stores and restaurants with the animal.

My views: The general public, as well as the real service animals, are at higher risk when these fake animals are in stores or restaurants. That is not to say these aren't friendly animals, but service animals are trained to stay with their owner and are very well behaved. We can not say the same for these imposter pets. We cannot say indefinitely that these animals will behave correctly when out in public. Those that are trying to pass off their dogs as service animals are not only potentially putting those around them at risk, but they are also abusing the system. In order to help people with disabilities maintain their privacy, law does not require papers to prove their service animal's legitimacy. Because of this, people are able to easily get away with passing their dogs off as service animals because no one can dispute it. No one that wishes to remain politically correct, that is. However, it is against the law to use a fake service animal. It is against the law, yet papers don't have to be provided to differentiate real service dogs from fake ones. This means we have a law that cannot be enforced, at least not very easily. If the issue of fake service dogs vs. real service dogs becomes more of an issue, we may need to consider changing the law to make it easier to enforce but we must also make sure the changes do not impede on the rights of people with disabilities.