Headlines

State Makes It a Crime to Have a Fake Service Animal

Violators face fines and community service.

Published

5 years ago

August 15, 2019

PETS+ Staff

Alabama is instituting criminal penalties for anyone who misrepresents a pet as a service animal.

The legislation takes effect Sept. 1. It makes such representation a Class C misdemeanor that leads to a $100 fine and 100 hours of community service, Al.com reports.

Under Alabama law, only dogs and miniature horses can qualify as service animals. They have to be trained specifically to help people with disabilities — emotional support animals do not count.

The law allows for signs to be posted in public places with this wording: “Service animals are welcome. It is illegal for a person to misrepresent an animal in that person’s possession as a service animal.”

According to Al.com, Alabama is one of 25 states with laws related to misrepresentation of service animals.

Read more at Al.com

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PETS+ Staff

Since launching in 2017, PETS+ has won 24 major international journalism awards for its publication and website and was a finalist for Best Single Issue in the prestigious Neal Awards in both 2017 and 2024.

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