COLUMBIA--A bill that would make it a crime to injure or kill a guide dog or other service animals is awaiting Gov. Mark Sanford's signature.

Few people are more pleased than Angela Bone of Pelion, who began pushing for the law when her guide dog, a Labrador retriever named Sweet Pea, was crippled after being hit by a vehicle more than a year ago.

"This is about doing right for these animals and protecting handicapped people," Bone said after lawmakers gave the final nod to the plan last week.

While Sanford has yet to sign the legislation, backers of the proposal say he has expressed his support for the bill.

Sanford spokesman Will Folks said the governor's office isn't familiar with final details of the legislation.

The bill has a maximum punishment of three years in prison and a fine of $5,000 for anyone convicted of interfering with, maiming or killing service animals through carelessness or neglect.

The proposal also forces anyone responsible for the death or injury of a service animal to pay for its medical care or a replacement. New guide dogs can cost up to $60,000 to train.

Bone said that provision could have saved her some frustration. She racked up $2,000 in veterinary bills before the insurer of the driver that hit Sweet Pea reversed itself and agreed to pay for the dog's care.

Bone, 37, whose vision is blurred by a rare eye disorder, is preparing to get a new guide dog in July.

Meanwhile, Sweet Pea gets lots of hugs as Bone tries to break her of habits, like picking up something Bone has dropped.

That role will go to Bone's new guide dog because Bone said Sweet Pea "has earned her retirement."