Assistance Animal Laws

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Louise429

Member
30 December 2020
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For future reference, are there any laws against interfering with assistance animals (for example, distracting a working assistance animal) for Australia or New South Wales? I have tried searching online but can only find American laws.
 

Tim W

Lawyer
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28 April 2014
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Why do you ask?
 

Louise429

Member
30 December 2020
3
0
1
Because I am currently training an assistance dog and want to know if there are ways I can stop people from petting, distracting and interfering with the dog's work and training (this has already happened multiple times so I want to know if I can take any action against the people who interfere with my dog)
Why do you ask?
 

Docupedia

Well-Known Member
7 October 2020
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794
None that I can find. That doesn’t mean that common law action couldn’t potentially be taken, but it would be a harder prospect.
 

Atticus

Well-Known Member
6 February 2019
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I am currently training an assistance dog and want to know if there are ways I can stop people from petting, distracting and interfering with the dog's work and training
Have you tried using a badge or sign similar to those pictured HERE

Could have a similar one made up if they are not available to purchase.
 

Tim W

Lawyer
LawConnect (LawTap) Verified
28 April 2014
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Sydney
Because I am currently training an assistance dog...
If you're training it yourself (not as part of a program by an accredited provider)
then it makes no difference.
In a DIY scenario, your animal is a companion animal.
It's not a service animal, in the way, say, that a Guide Dog is.