Perry Signs Service Animal Bill

Gov. Rick Perry has strengthened the rights of service dogs in Texas -- with a little help from a canine.

Perry on Friday signed into a law a bill ensuring that restaurants and food stores allow service dogs, including those for military veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder.

Joining Perry for the ceremonial signing at a Veterans of Foreign Wars hall was 3-year-old rat terrier named Boots. The dog belongs to veteran Adan Gallegos, who served in Iraq from 2003 to 2004.

The new measure limits how much employees can ask disabled people about entering with dogs -- even those with PTSD, or other disorders that aren't visibly obvious. The bill also includes a fine for discriminating against a disabled person.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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