An autistic man is taking Sainsbury’s to court after the supermarket giant refused access to his assistance cat. Web designer Ian Fenn, who was diagnosed with autism two years ago, says Chloe the rescue cat sits on his shoulders and stops him from feeling “overwhelmed” and “anxious”.
But the 51-year-old says his confidence was knocked after he was asked to leave a branch of the supermarket in south London in March because of his feline friend. Mr Fenn, who says Chloe is allowed into other supermarkets such as Tesco, has subsequently tried to convince Sainsbury’s to let him take Chloe into stores.
Sainsbury’s, which welcomes assistance dogs, argues that cats pose a food hygiene risk but has asked its environmental health team to try to find a solution. Mr Fenn looks set for a court showdown with the supermarket giant which could set a new legal precedent.
