Discrimination Against Guide Dogs

In 1996 a law was passed in the UK to ensure that all businesses allow guide dogs entry into their establishments. Stores and eateries are responsible for welcoming guide dog owners because their dogs are exempt from Environmental Health Office hygiene rules.

Similar laws and regulations have been passed in most countries throughout the world, and one would think that by now store owners would be well aware of these laws. Unfortunately the blind and disabled still have to deal with uneducated staff and often feel discriminated against for trying to shop or dine with their guide dogs.

Just recently in the US a blind woman, Heather Maloney, was refused entry into not only one but three stores in her Massachusetts neighbourhood. These stores now face fines and mandatory education for their staff members under US law.

Earlier this year a blind man in Australia, Ian Jolly, tried to eat dinner at a Thai restaurant with his guide dog but was also refused entry for a very strange reason. The waiter misunderstood when they were told he wanted to bring in his “guide dog” they thought he said “gay dog” as a joke. The restaurant even had a “guide dogs welcome” sign posted on their window so you would think they would be more attentive to blind patrons, but even after Jolly showed them his fact card about guide dogs they refused to serve him. The restaurant later wrote Jolly an apology letter, sent staff members to a class about Equal Opportunity regulations, and paid him $1,500 retribution. Jolly said he would have been happier if he was simply allowed to enjoy his meal without embarrassment.

Most victims of this type of discrimination feel the same way – they are simply trying to carry on with their lives, and their guide dogs enable them to enjoy life. Asking them to leave their dogs outside is like asking them to leave their eyes or ears outside as well.

Most guide dogs wear dog harnesses instead of regular collars because they are more comfortable when walking for extended periods. It’s also easier to guide their owners without all the strain on their necks. Many pets also seem more comfortable in dog harnesses. Our Ancol Padded Nylon Dog Harness is very comfortable and comes in five different sizes and three different colours. The Ancol Padded Nylon Dog Harness also has reflective strips for higher visibility walking at nighttime.

Posted 23rd November 2010

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