Dumfries and Galloway MP Richard Arkless recently met with guide dog owners in the Houses of Parliament to hear about their experiences of being turned away by businesses. Over 100 guide dog owners had travelled to Westminster from across the country to talk to their MPs about the discrimination they face in their daily lives.
Mr Arkless was keen to give his support to the charity Guide Dogs’ “Access All Areas” campaign to ensure that guide dog owners can carry out everyday activities such as travel by taxi or go to the local shops, without the risk of being turned away.
According to law, guide dog owners are allowed the same access to shops, restaurants and taxis as everyone else. Yet, all too often, guide dog owners are told that their dog is not welcome and not allowed in. In fact, three out of every four guide dog owners has been turned away from a taxi, business or service because of their dog.
Mr Arkless is supporting Guide Dogs’ call for disability equality training, and for offenders to be properly punished under the law when they illegally discriminate against guide dog owners.
Commenting, Mr Arkless said:
“The Guide Dog owners I met told me that their guide dogs are frequently refused access to restaurants and taxis. Worryingly, this is such a common event that around 68% of these instances remain unreported.
“To refuse a guide dog user access is illegal. Moreover, it is crushing for the people who rely on these dogs for their independence – to be refused access is deeply humiliating and degrading.
“There needs to be greater awareness of the laws surrounding this issue. There also needs to be standardised fines for people found to be discriminating against guide dog users.”
In a recent survey of guide dog users, respondents said they were most likely to be refused entry to taxi’s, although restaurants, hotels, cinemas, and even GP’s Practices have also been identified as unfriendly to guide dog users. One reason given to guide dogs users for access being denied is concern that the dogs would shed hair and set off allergies however 33% said that their dog’s were not allowed entry for cultural or religious reasons.
Mr Arkless added:
“I have today written to the Ministry of Justice to express my concerns and request that the penalty for refusing carriage to guide dog users be amended to a level four fine – I look forward to hearing their thoughts on this very important matter.”
James White, Senior Advocacy Manager for Guide Dogs, said “Guide dog owners rely on their dogs to feel confident and supported. Being turned away by a business leaves people feeling angry, upset and embarrassed. It can rob people of their independence and can leave them unable to do everyday activities.”
“Despite the law being clear on this issue, guide dog owners are still experiencing this form of discrimination every day and this needs to change.”
