Tag: service dogs

ASSEMBLY CLEARS BUCCO BILL HELPING DISABLED PEOPLE RETAIN RETIRED SERVICE DOGS AS PETS

June 26,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, A disabled person who has relied on the loyalty of a service dog will not have to choose between a place to live and their beloved canine companion under legislation by Assemblyman Anthony Bucco that was approved today by the Assembly. The bill (S1359/A4096) exempts retired service or guide dogs from housing contracts that restrict pets.

Assemblyman Anthony Bucco, “There is a saying that a man’s best friend is his dog. That is never as true as when the dog is a service dog,” and continues , “A person who depends on their dog every day develops a bond that should never be broken by a legal technicality.”

Once an aging service dog is no longer able to work, it is considered a pet. Some leases prohibit pets, while others limit renters to only one dog. In some cases, when the retired dog is replaced with another trained dog, a housing contract provision may be violated.

“After years of loyal service, a guide dog becomes a beloved part of the family,” said Bucco. “There may be a need for a younger, more capable service dog, but the retired animal has earned the right to remain in a loving home.”

The legislation passed the Senate in August 2016, and now moves to Gov. Christie’s desk for approval.