A person who knowingly misrepresents as a service animal any animal that does not meet the definition of “service animal,” as defined in Title 5, section 4553, subsection 9-E, commits a civil violation. A person who knowingly misrepresents as an assistance animal any animal that does not meet the definition of “assistance animal,” as defined in Title 5, section 4553, subsection 1-H, commits a civil violation. Misrepresentation as a service animal or an assistance animal includes, but is not limited to: [PL 2015, c. 457, §9 (NEW).]
1. False documents. Knowingly creating documents that falsely represent that an animal is a service animal or an assistance animal;

[PL 2015, c. 457, §9 (NEW).]

2. Providing false documents. Knowingly providing to another person documents falsely stating that an animal is a service animal or an assistance animal;

[PL 2015, c. 457, §9 (NEW).]

3. Harness, collar, vest or sign. Knowingly fitting an animal, when the animal is not a service animal, with a harness, collar, vest or sign of the type commonly used by a person with a disability to indicate an animal is a service animal; or

[PL 2015, c. 457, §9 (NEW).]

4. Falsely representing animal as service animal. Knowingly representing that an animal is a service animal, when the animal has not completed training to perform disability-related tasks or do disability-related work for a person with a disability.

[PL 2015, c. 457, §9 (NEW).]

For a civil violation under this section a fine of not more than $1,000 for each occurrence may be adjudged. [PL 2015, c. 457, §9 (NEW).]
SECTION HISTORY

PL 2003, c. 452, §I28 (NEW). PL 2003, c. 452, §X2 (AFF). PL 2007, c. 664, §22 (AMD). PL 2011, c. 369, §8 (AMD). PL 2015, c. 457, §9 (RPR).