On today’s emotional support animal news report, we’re looking at breaking news coming to us from the state of Missouri. Lawmakers have just passed a new bill that would curtail fake ESAs and service animals. Grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and get up to speed on all the new changes with us.
Missouri Bites Back at Fake ESAs
The Missouri House just approved a proposed law regarding emotional support animal regulation. It has bipartisan support, with 137 votes in favor and only 6 against. It will now move to Governor Mike Parson’s desk, awaiting approval.
Over the past few years, the number of emotional support animals has skyrocketed. These once largely unknown animals are now highly sought after. People with mental and emotional disabilities turn to them as part of their therapy.
However, they’re not the only ones trying to get an ESA. People without disabilities are now trying to pass off their pets as assistance animals. All so they can reap the legal rights ESAs are afforded: living with their owners and flying free of charge.
Housing providers, restaurant owners, and airlines have long complained about this misrepresentation. And legislators have started paying attention.
Back in March of this year, the Senate had already heard and passed this bill. Senate Bill 644 was largely popular, gathering 28 “yeas” and one “nay.” It was introduced by Representative Chrissy Sommer, who sees the misrepresentation of ESAs and service animals as a threat to local communities.
Assistance animals are protected by both federal and state laws. That’s because they offer invaluable help and support to people with disabilities. Thus, they get to live with their owners for free as well as travel by plane.
To stop people from passing off their pets as ESAs just to reap these benefits, states have made misrepresentation of an assistance animal a crime. Now, if the Governor signs the bill into action, it will be a crime in Missouri as well.
SB644 will make the misrepresentation of an assistance animal a misdemeanor. It could also carry a fine. The change could happen as soon as August 2020.
Source: https://www.senate.mo.gov/20info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&BillID=26838015
CertaPet’s Thoughts on This Week’s News
More regulations on ESAs are always welcomed. Pretending a pet is an ESA is no small thing. It harms disabled people who genuinely need the companionship of their assistance animal. SB644 would make it much harder for fake ESAs and their owners to get away with misrepresentation.
If you need an emotional support animal, do it the right way. CertaPet is here to help. Start by taking our 5-minute pre-screening test for free. We’ll put you in touch with a licensed mental health professional. They’ll have an appointment with you and, if you qualify, issue your ESA letter. It will give you all the legal benefits of owning an ESA the legit way!