441-02696 (Animals)

We, the undersigned residents of the Province of Manitoba, draw the attention of the Government of Canada to the following:

Whereas:

1. Service dogs that support people living with many neurodiverse conditions are becoming more common;

2. These dogs are highly trained animals doing very specific jobs to assist their handlers with daily living;

3. These dogs assist their handlers to become contributing members of their communities;

4. Currently there are no specific guidelines around public access for service dogs in Manitoba and several other Canadian provinces and territories;

5. Currently there are no licensing requirements for service dogs in Manitoba and several other Canadian provinces and territories;

6. There are many misconceptions that result in limited access and harassment for service dogs and their handlers; and

7. It is very easy to order a "service dog" vest online which results in untrained dogs (pets) being used as service animals.

THEREFORE, your petitioners request the Minister of Health to:

1. Consult with their provincial counterparts, service dog trainers, and handlers regarding the need for guidelines on public access;

2. Consult with their provincial counterparts, service dog trainers, and handlers on licensing requirements for service dogs;

3. Consult with their provincial counterparts to develop guidelines for public access and licensing requirements for service dogs; and

4. Consult with their provincial counterparts enter these guidelines and licensing requirements into federal and provincial legislation.