CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — On July 1, Wyoming will become the 16th state in the nation to enact a law against people misrepresenting pets as service animals.

The new law makes it a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine up to $750.

Federal law requires that people with service animals be admitted to public facilities and private businesses.

But some people have misrepresented pets as service animals so they can bring their pets into places they are not allowed.

Republican Rep. Landon Brown of Cheyenne says the new law is an effort to try to protect those who truly do need the service animal.

More From KGAB