"Not those sort of dogs"

[SerendipityJane]

Seems the UKs lovefest with dogs only goes so far

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c87x2p535wqo

It is an absolute disgrace that an on duty guide dog for the visually impaired is ever denied access.

I realise that the growing numbers of emotional support dogs has asking for the same access rights has blurred things (those dogs can be self-declared, rather than fully trained and accredited)

But a working guide dog is pretty easily recognised as such!

I wondered if there was a discussion about this on here. I think it's nuanced. The law says you can take guide dogs everywhere. And they were wrong to say that someone "might" have an allergy. If they had an employee who they knew definitely had a life threatening allergy to dogs, they might have a point.

However, it's really not hard to find somewhere that is dog-friendly these days so why did he have to try to make a point by going somewhere that isn't? Unfortunately, people with guide/service dogs are being undermined by all the entitled pet owners who insist on taking their pets everywhere with them even though they don't need to and the pets would no doubt prefer to stay at home and sleep!

I found that a heartbreaking read.

However, it's really not hard to find somewhere that is dog-friendly these days so why did he have to try to make a point by going somewhere that isn't?

His guide dog isn't a lifestyle choice. He absolutely should have the same right of access to non-dog-friendly places as anyone else. If he is 'making a point' I applaud him.

I do think it’s down to the proliferation of pet dogs with service dog jackets on . We were in Tesco this week and there was a man with a small poodle on a lead and collar with a woolly jumper on that had a Service Dog sticker on it . Obviously not a proper service dog and I said to my husband that they need to stop any dogs aside from the accredited ones .

This is disgraceful. I find it incomprehensible that anybody can say they don't know the law surrounding dogs for the blind and sight impaired.

My heart breaks for this man. Death and rape threats!?

This is disgraceful. I find it incomprehensible that anybody can say they don't know the law surrounding dogs for the blind and sight impaired.

I'm afraid that is the real world.

However, it's really not hard to find somewhere that is dog-friendly these days so why did he have to try to make a point by going somewhere that isn't?

Because his dog isn't a fashion accessory, it's a complete necessity.

Surely exposing the lawbreakers can only be a good thing??

I read this article this morning, my heart goes out to him, the abuse he's endured, violent threats, threats to his mother? Horrific.

It's not nuanced at all. The law is absolutely clear on this.

Why was it 'obviously not a service dog'?

Service dog users are being undermined by people who think their existence in public is making a point.

100% agree.
It’s like the sunflower lanyards too. Because anyone can buy ine and use them there are loads of people taking the piss. So those who genuinely need needs accommodating are being ignored. If I’d been in that restaurant I’d have walked out with him. Disgraceful behaviour. And he’s right - all of us are one illness away from lifelong disability. When people talk about marginalised groups I think number one are disabled people who are treated as second class citizens.

Because a cute dog standing / sitting around looking vague isn't helping anyone. They aren't trained to do anything.

I do think it’s down to the proliferation of pet dogs with service dog jackets on

Yep, this. I'm so sick of seeing 'emotional support' dogs being dragged around supermarkets. Shops are often too scared of backlash to risk declining.

The rules/laws/legislation or whatever are too wishy washy.

You have no idea what that dog's trained to do?

A poodle is quite a popular choice for a service dog, due to how little they shed hair and for all you know, it could be trained to recognise when the owner is about to have a seizure.

Guide dogs are disability aids. They are amazingly well trained.

Service dogs, emotional support dogs are not disability aids. Very few are well trained.

We need to maintain the distinction so that visually impaired people can go about their lives.

However, it's really not hard to find somewhere that is dog-friendly these days so why did he have to try to make a point by going somewhere that isn't?

My service dog and I (not a guide dog - there are many types of service dog now) regularly "make a point" of doing things like shopping, going out, and socialising. Were you expecting us to sit in the house all the time doing "woe is me"??? My dog is a tool that enables me to experience the world in the same way that entitled people who think we should only look for "dog-friendly" places do. I shall carry on "making a point". This afternoon I intend to "make a point" at the local shopping centre, and tomorrow I plan to "make a point" at the council meeting. I may even "make a point" at the kebab shop on the way home if I can't be arsed making something to eat after the meeting...

This is not true. Emotional support dogs are different - although I am in favour of proper training - preferably for all dogs! But service dogs are in the same class as guide dogs and covered by the same law.

My mate has a nice little free certificate for her dogs to be designated as emotional support dogs. She printed it off some website.

She sincerely needs help with her PTSD, but these two are nervous wrecks themselves - one in particular attacks men (including biting my brother) if they walk past, both jump all over her and other humans all the time and she thinks it's cute. They are not emotional support animals, in fact I'd argue they make her more unwell with the stress they put on her all the time.

This is exactly the kind of dog that is not suitable to be described as a support animal or a disability aid. They are not trained to do anything, not even behave themselves.

This is a horrendous story. And what the hell is wrong with people, abusing him online for recounting his experiences?

Part of the problem is that we are disorganised on this - there are simply not enough service dogs available for people who need them. Not even those with sight issues can all get a guide dog. This forces people into self-training (and I am talking here about people who do need a service dog) and most people aren't qualified to do that; and even if they are there is no test to show that they have met a required standard. In parts of the USA (it may be everywhere but I am not sure about that) there are "service dog road tests" that people can undertake that provide them with an accredited standard of behaviour that shows they are a genuine service animal with training. Whilst the cost of service dogs remains in excess of £30-40,000 many people simply can't afford thye help that they need. Licensing self-trained dogs won't solve all the problems, but it's a start.

Service dogs are most definitely disability aids.

Wow the law needs updating, didn't realise that it was a criminal offence for taxis etc to refuse to carry a guide dog, but it is only a civil offence for businesses to refuse access. It's discrimination.

Slightly off topic as it’s not about guide dogs/service dogs but I was watching a dog show where a visually impaired British man was saying that he can’t even count how many times his stick has been kicked out of his hand when he’s out walking. It absolutely sickens me that there are people out there who thinks it’s funny to treat people that way, this story tells me it’s quite widespread. Vile people!