Having applied this principle and considered all existing aggravating factors, the Member has identified a gap in these aggravating factors, in respect of the theft of an assistance dog. The type of assistance that an assistance dog provides is guiding a blind person, assisting a deaf person with routine tasks or assisting people who are 57 Given that an individual relies on an assistance otherwise disabled with such tasks. dog to carry out day to day functions and to provide them with independence as well as providing mental health benefits, the Member considers that deliberately taking or detaining a dog that is known to be an assistance dog compounds the severity of the offence committed under the Bill.