A bill introduced in the Wisconsin Senate aims to target service dog fraud.
If approved, Senate Bill 327 would prohibit individuals from “intentionally misrepresenting that he or she is in possession of a service animal” in public places. Those who do so would be fined $200 for a first violation and $500 for subsequent offenses.
The bill would also change the state’s definition of a service animal to reflect the Americans with Disabilities Act, limiting service animals to dogs and miniature horses.
The bill was sponsored by Senator Rachael Cabral-Guevara and Representative Paul Tittl and was introduced on the Senate floor on June 12, 2025. Canine Companions collaborated with Senator Cabral-Guevara in the creation of the bill language.
Canine Companions actively advocates for the rights of service dogs and their handlers, providing public education on the role of service dogs for people with disabilities, the importance of public access rights and the real impact of fraudulent or poorly trained dogs in public.
Service dog fraud is not a victimless crime; it reduces the independence and ability for people who rely on service dogs to access their communities and their world. In a 2022 survey of 1,500 service dog users:
- 93% reported encountering poorly trained or out-of-control service dogs in places where pets are not permitted.
- 80% reported that a poorly trained service dog snapped at, bit, vocalized at or interfered with their service dog.
- 79% reported that service dog fraud has negatively impacted their independence and quality of life.
- Respondents reported that 50% of encounters occurred in grocery stores, restaurants and shopping centers.
Learn more about our advocacy initiatives and how to get involved at canine.org/advocacy.