News, Culture and NPR for Central & Northern Michigan

New law allows service animals in training into public spaces

A service dog onboard a United Airlines plane at Newark Liberty International Airport in 2017. The Department of Transportation says it will require service dogs to be flown free of charge, but not emotional support animals.
Julio Cortez

Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed a law Thursday that allows handlers to bring service dogs in training into more public spaces.

The legislation was sponsored by Republican state Representative Tommy Brann, who said he introduced the bills at the request of a training program. Brann says his family's restaurant already welcomes service animals.

"It's good for the dog who's going to be a loving companion of the person they're helping, and I think it will actually be better trained," he said.

The law requires animals in training to remain in a leash or harness. Under the new law, businesses can also ask trainers to leave if an animal misbehaves. Brann says he does not expect that will be a problem.

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Rick Pluta is Senior Capitol Correspondent for the Michigan Public Radio Network.