When is a service dog really a service dog?
It’s getting harder to tell.
Apparently, among the newest scams are pet owners who are going on the Internet and buying “Service Dog” sweaters for their non-service dogs.
They use the Service Dog status to gain entry to stores, restaurants and airplanes.
As of July 1, it became a second-degree misdemeanor in Florida to misrepresent a pet as a service animal. Gov. Rick Scott signed the legislation earlier this year.
A conviction carries penalties of up to 60 days in jail, up to $500 in fines and 30 hours of community service for an organization that serves the disabled, or another service organization at the discretion of the judge.
