Member of Parliament for Clwyd South, Simon Baynes MP, has shown his support for raising awareness of the rights of assistance dog owners when he met the charity Guide Dogs at the Conservative Party Conference.
During the Conference, Mr Baynes met with Service User Voice Officer at Guide Dogs, Penny Hefferan, and her guide dog Questa to learn more about the invaluable work Guide Dogs are doing to help those who require guide dogs and other assistance dogs.
Assistance dog owners have a legal right to access businesses and services without discrimination. But, according to Guide Dogs, 81% of guide dog owners have been refused access to a restaurant, shop or taxi at some point because of their dog. This has a significant negative impact on the confidence, independence and wellbeing of people who use guide dogs. In response, Guide Dogs have launched their Open Doors campaign earlier in the year to raise awareness of the rights assistance dog owners have.
Mr Baynes has praised the work of Guide Dogs on the support they show assistance dog owners and has seen first hand the vital role they play when he met with his constituent, Jean Briffett, and her guide dog Wendy in December 2020. Jean Briffett, who lives in Llangollen, asked Mr Baynes to visit the Guide Dogs UK stand at the Conservative Party Conference last week which he was very pleased to do.
Simon Baynes MP said:
“It was a pleasure to meet with Penny and Questa at the Conservative Party Conference and to hear about the Guide Dogs’ Open Doors campaign. It is extremely important that guide dog and other assistance dog users are able to access vital services and should not be discriminated against.
“My grandfather was partially sighted so I have always made supporting the wonderful Guide Dogs a priority as an MP. The work of the charity Guide Dogs is incredible and I would like to take the opportunity to thank them for all they do. All assistance dogs play an invaluable role in the lives of those who require their help and it is important that those who require an assistance dog do not have their independence and confidence jeopardised by being refused access”.
