Nearly three-quarters of guide dog owners have been illegally refused access to businesses and services. Research found 81 per cent of people, who own a guide dog, have been turned away from accessing a business or service with 73 per cent experiencing an access refusal in the last 12 months.
The most common places include restaurants and bars, taxis or private hire vehicles and retail services. The poll of 242 guide dog owners revealed 49 per cent have ended up changing their plans or avoiding certain places because they’re worried about being refused entry or challenged.
In response to the mounting issue, Guide Dogs, which commissioned the research, has launched their ‘Open Doors’ campaign. The charity is urging the public to sign the petition to Government and encouraging guide dog owners to download their free-of-charge access app - and report illegal access refusals.
