BARRHEAD MP Paul Masterton voiced his support for guide dog owners at a recent event raising awareness of discrimination.

At the event in Parliament run by the charity Guide Dogs, the MP for East Renfrewshire heard from guide dog owners about the impact of being turned away by businesses because of their dogs.

It is against the law to refuse access to a disabled person accompanied by an assistance dog except in the most exceptional circumstances. However, a Guide Dogs survey found that three quarters of assistance dog owners reported that they had been refused entry by businesses.

Businesses that closed their doors to assistance dog owners included shops, supermarkets, gyms, campsites, places of worship, public transport, taxis, pubs and hotels. 

Mr Masterton said: “I was shocked to hear about cases of guide dog owners being turned away by businesses. 

“This isn’t just poor customer service; it’s discrimination and it’s unacceptable. Disabled people have the same rights as anyone else to shop, take a taxi or visit their local pub.

“I support Guide Dogs’ Access All Areas campaign to open all doors to guide dog owners.”

James White, senior campaigns manager at Guide Dogs, said: “It’s against the law for a business to close their doors to someone because of their assistance dog, but it’s still a daily concern for many guide dog owners going about their lives.

“When you rely on your guide dog to get around, leaving the dog outside is not an option. Businesses shouldn’t be allowed to make guide dog owners feel like second-class citizens.

“That’s why we’re calling for better enforcement of the law, and better staff training in some sectors to stop this discrimination from happening in the first place.”