Posted on 11/24/2024 1:54:31 AM PST by RandFan
As a guide dog handler of 25 and a half years, I’ve had hundreds of experiences of being refused service - but online threats and increasing hostility towards disabled people mean I’m giving up on asking publicly for equality and respect.
The last straw came about a week ago. I was already reeling from a number of refusals by restaurants and shops when, once again, I was refused entry because I have a guide dog.
I visited the restaurant, which I have chosen not to name, but was told I couldn’t enter as people could have allergies. This, by the way, is unlawful.
They later changed their reason - saying they simply had no space.
It’s difficult to describe how this feels.
I don’t think you can understand it unless you know what it is like to face daily discrimination.
I compare the feeling to December 2022 when I was briefly robbed of my smartphone near the BBC building in central London.
Unlike street robberies, refusals are rarely violent or physical, but the feeling of being slugged in the gut is identical.
I argue refusals feel worse - because at least I can understand the motivation of robbers.
(Excerpt) Read more at bbc.co.uk ...
The problem is so many people abuse the idea of guide dogs. Used to be the only dogs in public places allowed were legit guide dogs for the blind. Now every pet owner feels entitled to bring their dog antwhere.
He lives in the UK. In the US, these business owners would be sued out of existence by trial lawyers working on contingency fees.
This is in the UK not the US. In the US a business prohibiting a real service animal would face fines and lawsuits.
It’s technically the same in the UK many of the laws are the same it’s unlawful to refuse him service .
I have 10000 Emotional Support Cockroaches. I take them everywhere.
Agree. Over the years, accommodations for guide dogs have morphed into abuse of the allowance for service animals, including pigs, parrots and reptiles. Animal vests declaring “emotional support” are widely available on Amazon. Airlines and other public facilities eventually got wise to the free-ride deception.
Britain is highly Islamized now.
System used to work fine - legitimately disabled people were rare but respected - until recent years every dog owner is pretending to be disabled so they can bring their filthy dogs into places they don’t belong. (Complete with fake Amazon “guide dog vests”.)
Maybe we are finally seeing some much needed pushback - so we can focus on actual disabled people who really need this assistance.
Ifeel I have rights too...the right to enjoy anice restaurant meal without the smell of animals.
the fakers have 4uined it for legitimately disabled people.
Just as handicap parking spots used to be for people in a wheelchair. Now EVERYONE has a temporary placard. A completely abused service...
Here in Seattle, the legal justification for pets in formerly forbidden places began about 10 years ago, with mental health Companionship exemptions.
Mental Health professionals prescribe the companionship of a pet as a necessary treatment for various mental health issues.
Those prescriptions have the force of law - thus, dogs are everywhere, even in apartment buildings that previously forbade pets.
” the last straw.., I’m done.. “
Oh boo, hoo , what are you gonna do beta?
Did you have legal need for a guide dog or just being a leftist Karen pu$$y?
Service animals (which under ADA means dogs) are protected by law as far as being permitted in public places with some sensible restrictions such as not allowed in food prep areas. They are not the same as so called emotional support animals. A service animal to meet the legal criteria must actually be trained to assist the disabled person.
The author is legally blind. Does that count as a legal need?
Yea and ragheads don’t like dogs. Having a BMF guide dog is a good idea. The non service problem needs to be addressed. I think a BMFGD is a good solution, as you leave you can offer to pay for the big chew hole and nasty looking scrap and bruise on the refusing party’s buttocks. Too bad you can’t get a salt water crocodile service animal. I’d love to see one at work. You walk in tell the help Larry my green buddy needs the hind quarter of a cow and I need a menu. BWAAAHaaaaaaAaa.
That’s an issue in the UK the parking badges... I had no idea about the other abuses that go on they dont tend to happen...
But it doesn’t accuse the abuses.
By none legitimate abusers
I forgot to mention the issue of Guide Dog refusal...
The author has been refused admission?
Very hard to believe that.
I can remember learning about Guide Dogs and Guide Dogs In Training as far back as 70 years ago!
Suddenly, they are not allowed in shops and restaurants?
Sorry - not credible.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.