Hallandale's sick service dogs can call 911 for ride to vet

Susannah Bryan

Sun Sentinel |

Oct 16, 2015 at 5:22 PM 

HALLANDALE BEACH — People with injured or sick service dogs can now call 911 if they need help getting the animal to the vet.

City commissioners unanimously approved the new law last week.

"Since we passed the law, it's come to my attention that other cities are considering doing something similar," said Commissioner Michele Lazarow, who sponsored the ordinance. "It's great we are starting another trend."

Lazarow got the idea from Doral, which passed a similar law last year after a disabled woman's service dog suffered a heart attack at a restaurant and died.

Hallandale Beach Police Chief Dwayne Flournoy said officers will be trained on how to transport the injured animal and owner.

"We are going to have to buy some equipment so we can safely transport the animal as well," he said.

Residents and visitors who call 911 and falsely claim their dog is a service animal will risk a fine and jail time. They can be charged with a second-degree misdemeanor that can lead to a $500 fine and 60 days in jail.