MOSCOW, November 11 (RAPSI) – A bill envisaging more lax regulations on the walking of their assistance dogs by the blind has been submitted to Russia’s State Duma.

The proposed change is to ensure the exercise of the established rights of the disabled people using guide dogs as to unimpeded walking of the animals, free access to social, engineering, and transport infrastructure facilities, recreational facilities, and services, as well as to prevent fining of the owners of assistance dogs under the administrative procedures governing the walking of household pets.

The initiative was proposed by lawmakers of Russia’s Perm Krai, who cited the difficulties encountered by disabled people using guide dogs when trying to comply with the current rather tough requirements as to the walking of household pets.