Should there be fines for people faking service dogs

Should there be fines imposed on those who attempt to pass off a companion animal as a service dog (example: buying a vest and finding fake papers online). Many people are trying to pass untrained companion animals as service dogs to bring them on airplanes, into stores, etc. This poses a huge risk to those who truly need them. Service dogs are trained for months/years and must meet extensive qualifications to become a service dog.

Over the weekend when traveling we saw 3 small dogs in the airport with “service dog” vests who behaved poorly. (Barking at people, growling, pulling at the leash, ignoring all commands from owners) very obviously NOT service dogs.

A young girl was bit in the face in Houston by someone’s dog at a restaurant they tried to pass as a service dog.

A former student of mine who had an Autism support dog had to have the dog returned after it was attacked by another dog in a Walmart that again was trying to be passed off as a service dog. This dog who went through months of training is now dog reactive due to someone else’s negligence.

While I wish I could take my dog everywhere I know that isn’t realistic.

So back to the question at hand, should those attempting to fake a need for a service dog be fined? What types of things could be put in place to protect those who get them through proper means?

*** I am strictly talking about service dogs and NOT emotional support animals****