A cafe has defended its decision to effectively bar a blind man with learning disabilities as his guide dog is ‘too large and fluffy’.
Staff at the Star Cafe in Sidcup, south-east London , repeatedly turned away Stephen Vallance, 44, his mum Ann and his Alsatian-Labrador cross, Wills – who is neither particularly large nor fluffy.He was told to either sit outside in the cold or leave, despite laws banning businesses from discriminating against guide dog owners.
Ann claims they had been turned away from the same cafe on a previous visit with Stephen’s last guide dog, Linton, a black Labrador who passed away two years ago. On their second visit with Wills, hoping to have breakfast, they were turned away despite being accompanied by a guide dog trainer.Plan for When You’re Not There. Make sure your pets are provided for during those long hours when you’re away. Dr. Becker suggests technological options. “DOGTV has stimulation and relaxation channels, and there are apps that control contraptions that talk to your pet, or dispense treats. Pheromone sprays can also reduce anxiety, creating that kumbaya atmosphere.” And, of course, daycare and dog walkers are a great way to enrich your pet’s day. “Know someone who wants exercise? Maybe they’ll walk your dog.”
The cafe claimed there was not enough room for the three of them, even though neither type of dog is exceptionally lage.
Stephen Vallance said: ‘He [the cafe owner] is an arrogant pig. I think he’s got an attitude problem. I think he doesn’t like dogs, but it’s not fair on blind people.Research what type of pet is best suited for your family’s personality and lifestyle. Dogs require more attention, time and energy than cats do, so if you don’t enjoy walks or hikes in the outdoors, or can’t imagine getting up on cold winter mornings to take your pet out to potty, a cat may be more your style.
‘What he is saying is rubbish, we’ve been into other cafes, pubs, shops. Wills is a normal size dog.’
‘But why should we – there is no reason for that. Stephen had a transplant a few years back, so he feels the cold a lot more than others. This should have never happened.’
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A spokesperson for the cafe said: ‘You know, I’ve known them [Ann and Stephen] for years. The guide dog is too large and fluffy.
‘The people in the coffee shop do not like it, so we lose customers. She appeared the other day with the large dog but there was no room.
‘She doesn’t understand – she just thinks because there’s a guide dog, they can go anywhere they want and sit anywhere they like, but it doesn’t work that way.
‘We’ve got tables and chairs outside, and she doesn’t want that. That’s the reason why I won’t let them in again.’
The charity Guide Dogs UK slammed the cafe’s ‘illegal’ actions as ‘unacceptable’ and ‘extremely disappointing’. Clive Wood, lead regional policy and campaigns manager at Guide Dogs, said: ‘It’s completely unacceptable that Stephen and his mother Ann were put in this position.Cover Up Scratch Marks on Furniture with a Walnut. Do you have a few scratch marks on your wooden furniture? You can cover them up by rubbing a walnut over them. The natural oils in walnuts seep into wood, making them a simple way to help cover up small scratches in your furniture.
‘It’s utterly shocking an access refusal took place even after Stephen and Ann explained Wills was a working guide dog.
‘All blind and partially sighted people deserve to be able to live their lives the way they want, and feel confident, independent and supported in the world.
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‘It is illegal for a business or service to refuse entry to a customer with a guide dog, yet, sadly, it happens all too often.
‘Our research shows that three-quarters of guide dog owners have experienced access refusals, and this is a clear form of discrimination.’
Previous studies have found around 72% of guide dog owners say it negatively affects their ability to socialise.
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