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House Endorses Bill to Crack Down on Fake Service Animals

The House voted 85-15 in favor of the bill Monday

By Associated Press

HELENA — The Montana House has endorsed a bill that would set fines for people who misrepresent their pets as service animals in order to bring them into public places such as grocery stores or restaurants.

The House voted 85-15 in favor of the bill Monday. It faces a final vote before moving to the Senate.

The bill, by Republican Rep. Denley Loge (LOH’-gee), identifies service animals as dogs or miniature horses trained to do work or a task for a person with a disability. It states emotional support animals are not service animals.

Businesses that prohibit pets would be requires to post signs saying they welcome service animals and reserve the right to file complaints against violators.

After an initial warning, violators could be fined $50, with increases for repeat offenses.