REGIONAL Senedd member Altaf Hussain has backed a campaign launched by Guide Dogs for the Blind to highlight the legal right for these dogs to be taken into shops, cafes and other businesses.
Welsh Conservative Dr Hussain met guide dog owner Faith O’Sullivan of Kenfig Hill who came along to Maesteg market to help distribute stickers for shops to display which say that guide dogs and assistance dogs are welcome.
The charity is taking this action because there are increasing reports of blind people being refused access to some premises because of their dogs.
Dr Hussain said: “This is a wonderful charity that does fantastic work giving blind people their independence back. I was concerned o hear that some businesses are refusing entry to people with guide dogs, or other assistance dogs, and it is necessary to highlight the fact that they are under a legal obligation to permit access. In fact, it is illegal to turn them away.
“I am not sure that shop owners are aware of this so I hope that this campaign will make it clear what rights blind people and others suffering from various disabilities have if they have a guide dog or assistance dog.”
Mrs O’Sullivan was born blind in her right eye but in 2011, lost much of the remainder of her sight after suffering a brain haemorrhage,
She said: “As a result of having Buddy in 2018 , I was able to continue with my work at the tax office in Llanishen. Having him was a life changer. I was finding things difficult but he gave me faith and confidence and became very popular with all my colleagues!”
Faith has since retired but still relies on Buddy to do her shopping, attend medical appointments and generally go about her business.
Buddy is now six years old and will probably work until he is about eight or nine. He is constantly monitored by the vets working for Guide Dogs for the Blind. Each guide dogs costs the charity £56,000 from birth, through training and then for the food and vets’ bills for their life time.