Lawmakers Cracking Down on “Fake” Service Animals

You may have to say goodbye to your emotional support alligator. Lying about a service animal would be a misdemeanor in Missouri under legislation that was partly inspired by stories of emotional support snakes and a peacock. Republican Sen. Denny Hoskins, of Warrensburg, said his proposed bill would protect landlords who prohibit pets from tenants who falsely claim their pets are service or emotional support animals. Support animals are protected under the Fair Housing Act. But Hoskins said “it’s getting out of control” during a meeting of the Senate Agriculture Committee on Monday. Opponents, however, raised concerns that the bill could bring legitimate use of animals into question.