Henry Smith MP has reiterated his support for the rights of guide dog owners at an event in Parliament organised by the charity Guide Dogs.

Henry said;

“I’m always pleased to meet with Guide Dogs and I was pleased to find out more about their Open Doors campaign, which highlights the importance of access for all people using assistance dogs.

“Refusals of access to service prevent people from living the lives they choose. We know that the fear of such a refusal can dissuade people from getting out and about independently and I’m grateful to Guide Dogs for their vital work highlighting this issue.”

Guide dogs are key for many people with sight loss to getting around independently, but research from Guide Dogs has shown that 81 per cent of guide dog owners have been turned away from shops, restaurants and others businesses because of their dogs.

This discrimination can be humiliating and debilitating, with almost half of guide dog owners saying they have changed their plans or restrict visits to avoid being refused.

The Crawley MP was briefed about the charity’s campaign to strengthen the law and requirements for training to prevent access refusals from happening in the first place.

The Head of Policy, Public Affairs & Campaigns at Guide Dogs, Eleanor Briggs, commented;

“Guide dog owners deserve to be able to live the lives they want and feel confident, independent, and supported in the world. However, too many guide dog owners continue to face discrimination and are turned away because they have their guide dog with them. That’s why we are calling for action to strengthen the law to end this unacceptable discrimination.”