Guide Dog Owner Raises Alarm: The Rise of Untrained ‘Service Dogs’ Threatens Access for the Visually Impaired
In London, Ontario, Avril Rinn shares her story of navigating public spaces with her trained guide dog, Louie. Rinn, who is legally blind, expresses concern over the increasing presence of untrained dogs in places where service animals are permitted, which is complicating her ability to access these spaces safely.
Rinn relies on Louie, a Labrador retriever, who has undergone nearly two years of rigorous training through Leader Dogs for the Blind, an accredited organization recognized by the International Guide Dog Federation. Unlike Louie, many of the dogs Rinn encounters in stores, restaurants, and public buildings lack the same level of training and discipline, leading to behavior that can disrupt her experience.
“There’s an industry out there that provides very official-looking service dog vests and even service dog ID cards,” Rinn notes, highlighting a troubling trend where pet owners misuse these identifiers to gain access to public places. This has created challenges for individuals with certified service dogs, as business owners often find it difficult to distinguish between well-trained assistance dogs and those that are not adequately prepared for public environments.
Diane Bergeron, president of CNIB Guide Dogs, shares similar concerns. “Current legislation allows almost anyone to claim their dog is a ‘service’ or ‘comfort’ dog, with no certification or training requirement,” she explains. This lax regulation can undermine the reputation of genuinely trained service animals, such as Louie, who are dedicated to assisting individuals with disabilities.
The issue is not isolated to Canada; Chris Diefenthaler, executive director of Assistance Dogs International, emphasizes that the problem is being reported globally. “Many organizations are facing difficulties due to the presence of untrained dogs that disrupt the environment for those who truly need assistance,” he states.
Rinn and Bergeron both emphasize that awareness is critical in addressing this issue. Rinn advocates for more thoughtful consideration from the public regarding bringing dogs into public spaces, particularly those that are not trained to assist. “What I’d really like is more awareness,” she asserts. “I would like people who are just bringing their dog with them for convenience or because they enjoy having it around to think twice about it.”
As Rinn contemplates her future without Louie, she hopes for changes that ensure access to public spaces remains safe and welcoming for all service dog teams.
Source: Swifteradio.com
