AN Amanzimtoti resident has expressed frustration with what he considers unfair treatment as his visually impaired wife’s guide dog has been refused entry into some business establishments.

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Rob van Thiel said his wife, Candy, and her guide dog, Fay, a black Labrador, are sometimes refused entry at some shops and restaurants as there is sometimes a strict policy against the admission of animals.

Also called service dogs or working dogs, a guide dog assists a person with a visual impairment by safely guiding them around obstacles and offers independence and mobility. These dogs can also be trained to perform tasks that include opening and closing doors and retrieving items that are out of reach for their owner.

“It has been an uphill battle and I fail to understand why some people don’t realise that a guide dog is a blind person’s eyes. Fay has been properly trained and my wife also completed her training at the end of November last year on how to navigate with her guide dog,” said Rob.

He said he feels this is discrimination and is against the law as a guide dog is not a pet, but a working dog. A quick poll of four prominent malls and shopping centers between upper Amanzimtoti and Winklespruit revealed that most of them allow service dogs, but their tenants might have a different policy. Rob said McDonald’s restaurants are some of the very few establishments that allow them in without any hassles.

According to the South African Guide-Dogs Association (SAGDA), denying access to a person with a working dog is a form of discrimination.

“This is against the law in South Africa. Many South Africans are unaware of what a registered working dog is. SAGDA provides extensive training to its working dogs to ensure that they are well socialised and behaved in any environment and situation. These dogs know that once their harnesses or jackets are fitted, they are at work,” read the statement from the SAGDA.

The organisation discourages people from petting or interacting with guide dogs while they are working as they may be distracted, affecting how they execute their duties.

Section 9 of the Equality Act in the Constitution of South Africa states that no person may unfairly discriminate against any person on the ground of disability, including denying any supporting or enabling facility necessary for their functioning in society.

In 2021, South African airline, Lift became the frst to allow guide dogs to ride with their owners in the aircraft’s cabin.

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