Resolution 2017-04
regarding licensing of service animals
WHEREAS, the use of guide dogs and other service animals has greatly facilitated the independence of the blind and of others with disabilities; and
WHEREAS, the training these service animals and their handlers receive equip the animals to assist their handlers in mitigating limitations associated with their particular disabilities; and
WHEREAS, although such service animal teams have been part of society for over 80 years with little disruption to society, recent media has alleged problems caused by "fake service animals" which lack necessary training and/or are not under the control of their handlers; and
WHEREAS, entities seeking to expand the market for the animals trained by their particular programs and to suppress competition have, in many states including Illinois, introduced legislation that would require all service animals used in those states to be licensed and to demonstrate obedience to a certain prescribed set of commands; and
WHEREAS, such a bill has been twice proposed in Illinois, most recently as HB3162, which legislation would have been inappropriate and harmful as applied to guide dogs and their handlers and would inappropriately apply a "one size fits all" model to animals which should be trained regarding the disabilities of a wide range of handlers; and
WHEREAS, legislation such as that proposed would restrict the sources and quality of available dogs and place unnecessary burdens on handlers, many of whom require animals of specific training not readily available; and
WHEREAS, The licensing scheme set forth in this proposed legislation would do little to address the alleged problems caused by those who misrepresent themselves as disabled or their animal as a trained service animal;And
WHEREAS, the experience of the National Federation of the Blind with accrediting entities with a pecuniary interest in regulating particular fields, most notably the National Accreditation Council of State Agencies serving the Blind and Visually Handicapped (NAC) have demonstrated the perils and futility of allowing entities with a financial interest to set standards that actually result in improve services or training: Now, Therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED by the National Federation of the blind that this organization oppose any legislation that would require that service animals be state certified or licensed.