Williams Supports Guide Dogs NI ‘Open Doors’ Campaign

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Noel Williams, is supporting the Guide Dogs NI ‘Open Doors’ campaign for the rights of guide dog owners to access businesses and services.   

Mayor Williams said: “I was shocked to hear that recent research has shown 81% of guide dog owners have been turned away from shops, businesses and taxis because they have been told their dog is not welcome.

“However, the law gives Assistance Dog owners the right to access businesses and services without discrimination.

“That is why Guide Dogs NI is campaigning to raise awareness regarding the access rights of guide dog owners and to make business owners aware of their legal duties to support Assistance Dog owners.”

Mayor Williams concluded by saying: “The law is clear, and yet guide dog owners continue to experience access refusals which is simply not good enough. I hope this campaign educates people on the rights that guide dog owners have accessing businesses and services.”

For further information, visit: www.guidedogs.org.uk