Lying About a ‘Service Animal’ Will Get You Fined

We've heard the stories of folks taking their "comfort animals" on airplanes and I think we can all agree that once it reached the peacock stage, it'd all gone a little too far. Well here in Washington, lawmakers are making sure the real service animals are being accommodated, while those who claim their animals are legit get fined.

According to KIMA, Gov. Jay Inslee has signed into law a bill that outlines which animals are protected by the Washington Law Against Discrimination. Starting on Jan. 1, 2019, only "dogs and certain miniature horses specifically trained to help a disabled person with certain tasks" will be protected; and public places will be required to make accommodations.

If you're thinking you can still get away with claiming your pet is a service animal, you may want to reconsider. According to KIMA, "A person who claims an untrained animal is a service animal can be cited with a civil infraction that carries a penalty of up to $500."