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Alabama residents who falsely claim their pets are service animals will face criminal charges under a new law set to take effect next month, according to a report.
The law, which is due to go into effect on Sept. 1, penalizes people who misrepresent a pet as a service animal in public spaces, or when seeking housing accommodations, al.com reported.
Such false claims would fall into the category of Class C misdemeanor, resulting in a $100 fine and up to 100 hours of community service, the report said.
Falsely claiming a pet is a service animal could lead to criminal charges in Alabama, according to a report. (AP, File)
The law further limits service animals to either dogs or miniature horses. The animals must be trained to perform a specific task that benefits a person with disabilities.
Under the law, a dog trained to help someone with visual impairments or with post-traumatic stress disorder would be allowed, but an animal that provides emotional support simply by being with someone would not.
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“A service animal may not be a pet,” the law says. “The crime-deterrent effect of the presence of an animal and the provision of emotional support, well-being, comfort or companionship may not constitute work or tasks.”
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The law will effectively include Alabama on a list of 25 states that have laws to address the fraudulent representation of service animals.
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