Portland, ME 04101
May 20, 1992


Senator William Cohen
10 Moulton Street
Portland, ME 04101

Dear Senator Cohen:

We have reviewed the following rules and act as well as state
rulings for disabled persons who have trained dogs assisting
them in their day to day living:
                H.R. 2245 dated May 7, 1991
                H.R. 2278 dated June 26, 1991
        Public Law 102 - 240 dated December 18, 1991
In summary, Public Law 102-240 does provide that as far as
transportation carriers are concerned, trained animals that
assist disabled indivduals are permitted to accompany them on
common carrier transportation.

Present laws permit dogs trained to assist blind and hearing
impaired individuals to accompany and stay with said individuals
in housing, restaurants, and other businesses.

However, it is important to note that animals trained to provide
specialized services for disabled individuals are not
covered under federal ruling and Maine State Statutes.

In recent years, programs have started and are running to train
and provide dogs and other animals to assist disabled individuals
(who are not blind or hearing impaired) in their daily routine.
Therefore, strong consideration should be given to ammending
the present Federal and State rules including disabled
individuals and their assisting animals under the same rules
established for the blind and hearing impaired.
Additionally, it will solve embarrassing situations that occur
while traveling interstate and within this state.
Thank you for your consideration and help in this matter.

                        Sincerely,
                           XX
01-01411