HB 2136 - DIGEST

     Provides that any person who, with no legal justification, intentionally or negligently interferes or allows his or her pet to interfere with the use of a dog guide or service animal by obstructing, harassing, threatening, intimidating, distracting, or otherwise jeopardizing the safety of the dog guide or service animal user, or his or her dog guide or service animal, is guilty of a gross misdemeanor punishable according to chapter 9A.20 RCW.

     Provides that any person who negligently injures or causes the death of a dog guide or service animal, or negligently allows his or her pet to injure or cause the death of a dog guide or service animal, is guilty of a gross misdemeanor punishable according to chapter 9A.20 RCW.

     Provides that any person, who with no legal justification, intentionally injures or causes the death of a dog guide or service animal, is guilty of a class B felony, punishable according to chapter 9A.20 RCW.

     Declares that any person who wrongfully obtains or exerts unauthorized control over the dog guide or service animal with intent to deprive the dog guide or service animal user of the dog guide or service animal is guilty of a class B felony punishable according to chapter 9A.20 RCW.

     Provides that in any case in which the defendant is convicted of a violation of this section, the defendant shall be ordered to make restitution for veterinary expenses and replacement costs, including retraining, of the dog guide or service animal to the party or parties who are responsible for such costs, and restitution for any income lost by the dog guide or service animal user if the dog guide or service animal is no longer able to safely or dependably perform its duties.