Sponsored by:
Senator ANTHONY R. BUCCO
District 25 (Morris)
SYNOPSIS
Imposes fine on owner of dog which attacks or otherwise interferes with guide or service dog.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
An Act concerning guide or service dogs, and amending P.L.1977, c.456.
Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. Section 7 of P.L. 1977, c.456 (C.10:5-29.5) is amended to
read as follows:
7. Any person who violates the provisions of P.L.1977, c.456 (10:5-29.5) in a manner not otherwise prohibited by P.L.1945, c.169 (C.10:5-1 et seq.), or who fits a dog with a harness of the type commonly used by blind persons in order to represent that such dog is a guide dog when training of the type that guide dogs normally receive has not in fact, been provided, or who otherwise intentionally interferes with the rights of a person with a disability, who is accompanied by a guide or service dog, or the function or the ability to function of a guide or service dog, or who is the owner of a dog which attacks or otherwise interferes with the function, or ability to function, of a guide or service dog, shall be fined not less than $100 and not more than $500.
(cf: P.L.2005, c.258, s.1)
2. This act shall take effect immediately.
STATEMENT
This bill amends the “Law Against Discrimination” to impose a fine between $100 and $500 on the owner of a dog which attacks or otherwise interferes with a guide dog or service dog. Guide dogs are highly trained animals that greatly enhance a disabled person’s mobility, safety and independence. Harassment and attack by other dogs pose a serious health and safety threat to both the disabled individual and the guide dog. Furthermore, an attack on a guide dog forces to handler to incur substantial veterinary expenses, lost wages, and unexpected transportation expenses. In addition to the physical damage which may be done to the guide dog, the animal may sustain behavioral problems which make it unable to continue working as a service animal. The replacement cost of a guide dog can easily exceed $50,000.