Almost 90% of guide dog owners have been refused access to a business or service because they were accompanied by their guide dog, many of them repeatedly, according to Guide Dogs charity. This happens despite it being nearly always illegal to do so, and despite businesses' own policies stating that assistance dogs are welcome.
Everyday Ignorance and Discrimination
Joanne Hewitson from Hartlepool only wanted to enjoy breakfast at her local pub, accompanied by her guide dog, Rosie. Instead, a member of staff wrongly and repeatedly demanded identification for her guide dog, making her feel so unwelcome that she felt she had to leave. Her experience is not unique. Guide dog owners are refused entry or told to leave pubs, places to eat, taxis, shops and essential services right across the UK.
Exhausting and Undermining
Eleanor Briggs, head of policy, public affairs and campaigns at Guide Dogs, said: 'Constantly having to explain your disability and prove why you should be allowed to spend money just like everyone else is exhausting.' She added that the onus is not on guide dog owners to educate staff. Heartbreakingly, this discrimination has chipped away at the confidence of some people with a vision impairment, so much so that they don't want another guide dog in the future, despite the freedom their dog usually brings them.
Call for Stronger Legal Protections
The government must strengthen the Equality Act to make it explicit that businesses cannot refuse guide and other assistance dogs, and service providers need to give staff proper disability equality training on their legal obligations, Briggs urged.
