Untrained dogs in service gear are disrupting real assistance animals
Unqualified pets are posing as assistance animals in service dog gear. They are distracting real working dogs and handlers in Western Australia.
Navy veteran Gary Crombie relies on his golden retriever Levi for help managing PTSD. Untrained dogs wearing assistance animal markings are disrupting Levi in public spaces.
One dog lunged and barked aggressively at Levi despite wearing service gear. Both animals were put at risk.
Real assistance dogs take 18 months of training to meet working standards. Different organizations issue different uniforms and markings, which creates confusion.
A Guide Dogs WA instructor says more public awareness about proper accreditation is needed. A law professor at the University of Queensland suggests this.
A national identification system, like Queensland's government-issued cards, could help. However, any new rules must not create extra barriers for people with disabilities.
These people genuinely rely on working animals.
- 18 months
- Training time
- Bunbury, 170 kilometres south of Perth
- Location
- Gary Crombie, navy veteran
- Handler
Why it mattersFake service animals undermine trust in real assistance dogs. They put handlers and trained animals at risk. Those with invisible disabilities are especially vulnerable.
AustraliaAustralians with disabilities who rely on assistance animals face growing problems as untrained pets pose as legitimate working dogs in public.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
