Rebecca Harris MP 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.

The MP for Castle Point gave support to the charity Guide Dogs’ “Access All Areas” campaign to ensure 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.

Mrs Harris 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.

Rebecca commented: “I spoke to some of the Guide Dog Owners who had been illegally turned away from local shops, refused entrance from restaurants and had taxis drive away, simply because of their Assistance dogs.

They told me how confidence shattering their experiences had been and one lady told me it made her feel like a second class citizen. It showed me there is still much work to be done before assistance dog owners can Access All Areas, independently and with dignity as is their right. 

While the law is in place, there needs to be more awareness in the service industry.”

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.”