Having joined Guide Dogs Northern Ireland (NI) in support of the charity’s ‘Open Doors’ campaign, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council Chair, Councillor Barry McElduff, has been talking to them about the rights of guide dog owners to access businesses and services.

The law gives assistance dog owners the right to access businesses and services without discrimination. But, according to Guide Dogs NI, 81 per cent of assistance dog owners have been refused access to a restaurant, shop or taxi at some point because of their dog.

Being refused access has a significant negative impact on the confidence, independence and wellbeing of people who use such dogs.

Speaking about the ‘Open Doors’ campaign, Councillor McElduff said: “I was delighted to meet Torie Tennant and the Guide Dogs NI Team to find out more about some of the difficulties experienced by those with assistance dogs.

“I would encourage all businesses and organisations to support the open door campaign to ensure that everyone feels welcome in local businesses, premises and various modes of transport.”

Guide dog owner Torie Tennant said: “When I’ve been refused access in the past, it has been crushing. It’s a lower standard of service than anyone else would expect.

“If it’s getting a taxi or going for a meal, we shouldn’t be denied entry. It makes me feel like a second class citizen and it would make me question whether I want to revisit a business in case I’ll be refused.

“I am so thankful to everyone who’s got behind this campaign, from businesses to the Chair. Some 99 per cent of the time I have felt welcome, but all it takes is that one refusal to knock you back, so it’s vital awareness is raised.”

In response, Guide Dogs NI is campaigning to raise awareness about the access rights of guide dog owners and to make business owners aware of their legal duties to support assistance dog owners.

Retail NI, the Consumer Council NI and Belfast City Centre Management Company joined the then Minister for the Economy, Gordon Lyons, at Parliament Buildings to support Guide Dogs NI and help launch the campaign.

They have committed to reminding their members and local businesses of their legal obligations to assist dog owners.

At the time, Mr. Lyons said: “I’m delighted to be supporting the Guide Dogs Open Doors campaign. I want our economy to be innovative and inclusive, delivering benefits for all our people.

“Ensuring everyone can participate in the economy – including those who are visually impaired – is an important step in this ambition.

“Access refusals can have negative effects beyond the moment they occur, and this initiative will help to educate and inform as we build a strong, inclusive economy that works for all.”

Hundreds of volunteers signed up to take part in the event across the UK and Guide Dogs are providing stickers welcoming guide and assistance dogs for businesses to place in their windows.

The charity is also seeking volunteers in the local area to support with fundraising and sighted guiding those living with a vision impairment.

If interested, see guidedogs.org.uk/volunteer and enter your postcode to see what opportunities are available in your area, or email Gary.Wilson@guidedogs.org.uk, or call 07468 712007, to join the Omagh fundraising group.