Fake Service Animals Could Soon Be a Criminal Offense in Colorado

Service animals help all kinds of people. From people who have lost their sight to PTSD. Unfortunately, there are some people who have taken the opportunity to put a "Service Dog" vest on their pet to gain access to places that normally do not allow animals. After a quick search on E-Bay, I found out you can buy a service pet vest for as little as $20.

Those who have fake service animals could be in for a shock soon. A bill that just passed the Colorado House would make it a crime to intentionally mislabel an animal as a service dog for their benefit.

"We've had calls from people who just want a vest so they can fly with their dog in the passenger section of an airplane," Angela Eaton, the executive director of Canine Partners for the Rockies told the Denver Post. "There are well-meaning people out there who feel the dog does provide a service, but they haven't done the proper training. I hope this bill passes so it encourages people to seek that out."

The Representative that is sponsoring the bill is Arapahoe County Democrat, Daniel Kagan. "When people go about with a pet which they are passing off as a service animal falsely, they bring the entire program into disrepute" he told the House Judiciary Committee on March 22nd.

The offense would be punishable along the same lines as if you parked in a disabled parking spot unlawfully. A fine with a $33 surcharge

- First offense would be a $350 - $1,000 fine

- Second offense would be a $600 - $1,000 fine

- Three or more offenses would carry a fine of $1,000 - $5,000 plus 10 hours of community service.

The bill has passed the House Committee unanimously and has yet to be assigned to a Senate Committee.