Criminalizing Fake Service Dogs: Helping or Hurting Legitimate Handlers?

Authors

Tiffany Lee, Averett University and American National University

First Page

325

Abstract

An increasing number of states are passing laws criminalizing the use of fraudulent service animals. This Article explores the potential impact of these laws on people with disabilities and the effectiveness of these laws for places of business who want to exclude fraudulent service animals. The Article considers the nature of fraudulent service animal use and the reasons people may use them, the difficulties in enforcing these state laws in light of the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the potential detrimental effects on the civil rights of people with disabilities using legitimate service animals. Based on this analysis, the Article proposes alternative approaches to address the problem of fraudulent service animal use, recommending an increase in legislative clarity and improved public education.

Recommended Citation

Tiffany Lee, Criminalizing Fake Service Dogs: Helping or Hurting Legitimate Handlers?, 2 Animal L. Rev. 325 (2017).
Available at: https://lawcommons.lclark.edu/alr/vol23/iss2/5