Margaret Mullane MP supports Open Doors for guide dog owners after latest survey found that a shocking 88% of guide dog owners have been refused entry.

Margaret Mullane, Member of Parliament for Dagenham and Rainham joined Guide Dog’s exhibition stand at the Labour party conference to learn more about the devastating impact of guide dog owners being illegally turned away from businesses and services. 

 The charity’s latest survey found that a shocking 88% of guide dog owners have been refused entry or asked to leave a business or other venue because they were with their guide dog. 

 Thousands of people with sight loss rely on guide dogs to live independently. Yet people are being stopped from going about their daily lives, being turned away from cafés, restaurants, shops and even when going to medical appointments. 

 Minicab and taxis continue to be one of the most common sources of rejections; 58% said that a minicab or taxi driver or company had refused to take them with their guide dog.

 The charity is calling for all taxi and minicab staff to take part in training as part of the licensing process, so they understand the role of guide and other assistance dogs, and the legal rights of their owners. 

 Margaret Mullane MP, who is supporting Guide Dogs’ Open Doors campaign, said:  

“It was great to meet Lynette and her guide dog Dubs in Liverpool and it was a real eye opener taking part in the interactive quiz. I was astonished to learn how many everyday places guide dog owners are frequently turned away from. More needs to be done to create a fair and equal playing field for blind and partially sighted people who rely on the support of a guide dog. 

 “Guide dogs are not pets; they are an essential support ensuring that people who rely on them can travel and live independently. It beggars’ belief that there is still discrimination against guide dogs and their owners especially when private hire vehicles are duty bound to take them under the Private Hire Vehicles (Carriage of Guide Dogs) Act 2002.I will be writing to TfL and Uber to ensure that there is better enforcement and education across their private hire vehicle services.”

For further information please contact Guide Dogs at publicaffairs@guidedogs.org.uk

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