Minnesota Legislature
Protecting service animals
Individuals whose dogs harm service animal dogs, commonly used by people with disabilities, would be charged with a crime and ordered to pay restitution, under a bill approved by the House Judiciary Policy and Finance Committee.
Sponsored by Rep. Paul Kohls (R-Victoria), HF1817 applies to service animal dogs that are trained or are being trained to work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability. It does not apply to police dogs, which are covered under separate statutes.
Twenty-seven states, including Minnesota, have laws providing service animal dogs with protection against harm by humans, Kohls said. But there are no laws addressing injuries to a service dog imposed by another canine.
Phil Kragnes, president of Minnesota Guide Dog Users, accompanied by his seeing-eye dog, Wanetta, said that his organization's members are highly concerned about dogs interfering with their service animals.
The bill now moves to the House floor. The Senate companion bill (SF1614), sponsored by Sen. Chuck Wiger (DFL-North St. Paul) was approved by one committee and awaits action at a second.
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