We understand and value service animals' immense impact on the lives of those who rely on them. They provide a sense of independence, confidence, and companionship, acting as a lifeline for individuals facing various challenges.

That is why it is disheartening to hear stories of individuals facing misunderstandings and discrimination simply because they rely on these remarkable animals.

Recently, we came across the case of Janice Whittle, a visually impaired woman from Queensland, and her loyal guide dog, Keegan.

Janice encountered an unwelcome surprise when she attempted to check into the National Hotel in Toowoomba. To her dismay, she was informed that she had to leave because of her service dog.

A hotel has come under fire after a visually impaired woman was told to leave by a staff member because she had a service dog with her. Credit: Unsplash/brunocervera.

The 53-year-old had just placed her bag on the bed when she heard a knock at her door. 'I am being kicked out of the National Hotel, which I have just paid for the accommodation,' Whittle said as she filmed the interaction.

An employee explained that she could request a refund and informed Whittle that her booking would have been cancelled earlier if the hotel had been aware of the service dog.

'You didn't state that you had a service animal, and if you did, we would have refunded it before,' the employee said.

In response, Whittle presented her three-year-old guide dog's identification.

Unfortunately, the hotel's stance remained the same.'Eventually, she came back and said that she did it through Policelink, so the police will not be attending, but I will be getting charged,' Whittle explained.

It's important to note that under Queensland law, handlers and certified dogs have access rights to public places and places of accommodation, including hotels and motels.

Despite this, Whittle revealed that she is often refused entry to various establishments and is tired of the constant discrimination. 'We are talking cafes, restaurants, hotels, accommodations, retail outlets,' she said. 'People just don't seem to understand that guide dogs are legally allowed anywhere that I go.'

The National Hotel in Toowoomba later admitted that their young staff member made a mistake. In a statement, the hotel apologised and informed Whittle that she would be welcome to stay at the venue, but she declined. The hotel emphasised its ongoing commitment to inclusivity for people with disabilities.

Handlers and certified dogs have access rights to public places and places of accommodation, which include hotels and motels. Credit: Unsplash/labunsky.

Guide dogs are far from mere pets; they are working animals that have undergone rigorous training and certification programs to assist individuals with disabilities. Their calm and well-behaved demeanour is a testament to these specialised training efforts.

In Australia, individuals with guide dogs continue to face discrimination and denial of access to public places, despite being illegal under The Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act 1992.

Across all states and territories, guide dogs wearing a harness with their handler are legally allowed to enter public places, public transport, taxis, and ride-shares. Denying or charging a fee for the entry of a guide dog is considered an offence.

Guide Dogs Australia reported that over a third of guide dog handlers experienced denial of access to a public venue or transport within the past year. This is not only a violation of their rights but also creates feelings of unsafety and potential danger.

Such incidents underscore the need for greater awareness surrounding the rights of individuals relying on service animals and the invaluable roles these animals play in providing assistance, support, and independence.

Key Takeaways

• A visually impaired woman with a service dog was told to leave a hotel in Queensland.
• The hotel employee claimed the woman did not inform them of the service animal when booking and offered her a refund.
• Under Queensland law, handlers and certified dogs have access rights to public places and places of accommodation, including hotels and motels.
• The hotel has since apologised and informed the woman she was welcome to stay, but she declined.

It's frustrating and heartbreaking to hear of such discrimination. Service dogs are not just pets but carefully bred and schooled animals working to make the lives of their handlers easier.

We here at the SDC want to remind everyone that it is illegal for a business to deny entry to a service dog. For all of our members with disabilities, please remember that you have the right to access all public places, services, and transport without discrimination in Australia.

If you ever encounter a situation where you are denied access due to your guide dog, feel free to get in touch with Guide Dogs Australia through their website. They can offer guidance on dealing with discrimination and provide resources to address such situations.

Do you or anyone you know have service dogs that assist them in their daily life? Have you come across any incidents or heard any stories of unfair treatment or discrimination? Please feel free to share in the comments below.

 

[kevinwoodtufftyke52@gmail]

We understand and value service animals' immense impact on the lives of those who rely on them. They provide a sense of independence, confidence, and companionship, acting as a lifeline for individuals facing various challenges.

That is why it is disheartening to hear stories of individuals facing misunderstandings and discrimination simply because they rely on these remarkable animals.

Recently, we came across the case of Janice Whittle, a visually impaired woman from Queensland, and her loyal guide dog, Keegan.

Janice encountered an unwelcome surprise when she attempted to check into the National Hotel in Toowoomba. To her dismay, she was informed that she had to leave because of her service dog.

View attachment 21719

A hotel has come under fire after a visually impaired woman was told to leave by a staff member because she had a service dog with her. Credit: Unsplash/brunocervera.

The 53-year-old had just placed her bag on the bed when she heard a knock at her door. 'I am being kicked out of the National Hotel, which I have just paid for the accommodation,' Whittle said as she filmed the interaction.

An employee explained that she could request a refund and informed Whittle that her booking would have been cancelled earlier if the hotel had been aware of the service dog.

'You didn't state that you had a service animal, and if you did, we would have refunded it before,' the employee said.

In response, Whittle presented her three-year-old guide dog's identification.

Unfortunately, the hotel's stance remained the same.'Eventually, she came back and said that she did it through Policelink, so the police will not be attending, but I will be getting charged,' Whittle explained.

It's important to note that under Queensland law, handlers and certified dogs have access rights to public places and places of accommodation, including hotels and motels.

Despite this, Whittle revealed that she is often refused entry to various establishments and is tired of the constant discrimination. 'We are talking cafes, restaurants, hotels, accommodations, retail outlets,' she said. 'People just don't seem to understand that guide dogs are legally allowed anywhere that I go.'

The National Hotel in Toowoomba later admitted that their young staff member made a mistake. In a statement, the hotel apologised and informed Whittle that she would be welcome to stay at the venue, but she declined. The hotel emphasised its ongoing commitment to inclusivity for people with disabilities.

View attachment 21720

Handlers and certified dogs have access rights to public places and places of accommodation, which include hotels and motels. Credit: Unsplash/labunsky.

Guide dogs are far from mere pets; they are working animals that have undergone rigorous training and certification programs to assist individuals with disabilities. Their calm and well-behaved demeanour is a testament to these specialised training efforts.

In Australia, individuals with guide dogs continue to face discrimination and denial of access to public places, despite being illegal under The Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act 1992.

Across all states and territories, guide dogs wearing a harness with their handler are legally allowed to enter public places, public transport, taxis, and ride-shares. Denying or charging a fee for the entry of a guide dog is considered an offence.

Guide Dogs Australia reported that over a third of guide dog handlers experienced denial of access to a public venue or transport within the past year. This is not only a violation of their rights but also creates feelings of unsafety and potential danger.

Such incidents underscore the need for greater awareness surrounding the rights of individuals relying on service animals and the invaluable roles these animals play in providing assistance, support, and independence.

Key Takeaways

• A visually impaired woman with a service dog was told to leave a hotel in Queensland.
• The hotel employee claimed the woman did not inform them of the service animal when booking and offered her a refund.
• Under Queensland law, handlers and certified dogs have access rights to public places and places of accommodation, including hotels and motels.
• The hotel has since apologised and informed the woman she was welcome to stay, but she declined.

It's frustrating and heartbreaking to hear of such discrimination. Service dogs are not just pets but carefully bred and schooled animals working to make the lives of their handlers easier.

We here at the SDC want to remind everyone that it is illegal for a business to deny entry to a service dog. For all of our members with disabilities, please remember that you have the right to access all public places, services, and transport without discrimination in Australia.

If you ever encounter a situation where you are denied access due to your guide dog, feel free to get in touch with Guide Dogs Australia through their website. They can offer guidance on dealing with discrimination and provide resources to address such situations.

Do you or anyone you know have service dogs that assist them in their daily life? Have you come across any incidents or heard any stories of unfair treatment or discrimination? Please feel free to share in the comments below.

Has the hotel and staff been charged for the offence?

 

[Catherines]

It’s about time that ALL establishments that deal with the public IN ANY WAY be given a copy of the regulations about discriminating against people IN ANY WAY & a copy of possible fines or cancellation of any relevant licence to operate that establishment - discrimination on the grounds of sex, sex preference, race, colour, creed etc. If we, as citizens of Australia can be penalised for discrimination of any kind then so too should all establishments that cater to civilians, more so if they charge for their service. No one is above the law on this.

And this should be handed to them at the time of obtaining those licences to operate, not just after an offence is committed & they’re sent on their way with a slap on the wrist and ‘be a good boy/girl in future and don’t do it again’.

 

[Mr Chips]

I have been involved in a refusal of my assistance dog at a local pub but I will not expand on it as I like the pub and its owners. My suggestion is this. The problem generally arises with untrained and younger staff. Perhaps Guide Dogs Australia could provide a simple and tasteful sign that can be placed in a prominent position for staff to see which simply says "Service Dogs are Welcome Here". They could also start a competition that earns a prize for the collection of best experiences from owners and then can be star rated. Probably all wishful thinking but it is a better move than moaning about it all.

 

[SGH]

We know a lot of people who now have service dogs, these animals keep their owners calm and relaxed. I cannot believe that it was a new girl, or the staff member did not know. I know if we go to Toowoomba where we wont be staying, that's for sure.

 

[KSS]

Whilst I sympathise with the person in this story, I also sympathise with the hotel staff. Far too many entitled people think their Fido should be allowed to go anywhere at any time. They sit their Fidos on the cafe tables or on a chair denying a PERSON that space. I have seen them putting their pooch in shopping trolleys, taking them into supermarkets, and disobeying signs in parks requiring dogs to be on leads and under control. And then there is public transport: sitting the dog on a seat or perhaps worse, letting them wonder through the carriage or bus whilst they themselves are engrossed in their phones. If ever challenged they claim these dogs as ' companion animals' which they clearly aren't. Unfortunately, this results in genuine assistance dogs being refused entry when they should not be.

Yes more training for staff is helpful but I don't think all the blame should be on them. ALL pet owners have a responsibility not only to their pets but also to the wider community as well. I am sick of having to deal with selfish entitled owners to the detriment of people like the person in the article.

 

[MariaG]

Not just guide dogs.
Service dogs that are used for mental health reasons are the difference between dark clouds in someone's day or calm.
I entered an elevator with a gentleman who had a companion dog. Unlike a guide dog, after asking permission, I was afforded the delight of interacting with the lovely dog. She was amazing. I began a conversation with this man about his experience with his companion.
He said to me. "My girl is not just a companion, she is my guiding angel. I would be beyond upset if she was not by my side 24/7". I won't go into fine details, but it was obvious he relies on his dog more than anyone can really understand. As we parted company, he asked me "do you know what a dog is"....it is GOD spelled backwards"
Bless him, bless his life saving companion and bless all other folk who rely on these amazing daily aids or therapuetic companions.
For any organisation to deny access to people who are obviously in need of this kind of assistance is brutal. They should be taken to task and don't spare the rod.
I am devastated that this is happening in today's supposed tolerating society.

 

[Sloopy]

Whilst I sympathise with the person in this story, I also sympathise with the hotel staff. Far too many entitled people think their Fido should be allowed to go anywhere at any time. They sit their Fidos on the cafe tables or on a chair denying a PERSON that space. I have seen them putting their pooch in shopping trolleys, taking them into supermarkets, and disobeying signs in parks requiring dogs to be on leads and under control. And then there is public transport: sitting the dog on a seat or perhaps worse, letting them wonder through the carriage or bus whilst they themselves are engrossed in their phones. If ever challenged they claim these dogs as ' companion animals' which they clearly aren't. Unfortunately, this results in genuine assistance dogs being refused entry when they should not be.

Yes more training for staff is helpful but I don't think all the blame should be on them. ALL pet owners have a responsibility not only to their pets but also to the wider community as well. I am sick of having to deal with selfish entitled owners to the detriment of people like the person in the article.

What part of the fact that this person showed their certification do you not comprehend?

 

[cheviegirl34]

We understand and value service animals' immense impact on the lives of those who rely on them. They provide a sense of independence, confidence, and companionship, acting as a lifeline for individuals facing various challenges.

That is why it is disheartening to hear stories of individuals facing misunderstandings and discrimination simply because they rely on these remarkable animals.

Recently, we came across the case of Janice Whittle, a visually impaired woman from Queensland, and her loyal guide dog, Keegan.

Janice encountered an unwelcome surprise when she attempted to check into the National Hotel in Toowoomba. To her dismay, she was informed that she had to leave because of her service dog.

View attachment 21719

A hotel has come under fire after a visually impaired woman was told to leave by a staff member because she had a service dog with her. Credit: Unsplash/brunocervera.

The 53-year-old had just placed her bag on the bed when she heard a knock at her door. 'I am being kicked out of the National Hotel, which I have just paid for the accommodation,' Whittle said as she filmed the interaction.

An employee explained that she could request a refund and informed Whittle that her booking would have been cancelled earlier if the hotel had been aware of the service dog.

'You didn't state that you had a service animal, and if you did, we would have refunded it before,' the employee said.

In response, Whittle presented her three-year-old guide dog's identification.

Unfortunately, the hotel's stance remained the same.'Eventually, she came back and said that she did it through Policelink, so the police will not be attending, but I will be getting charged,' Whittle explained.

It's important to note that under Queensland law, handlers and certified dogs have access rights to public places and places of accommodation, including hotels and motels.

Despite this, Whittle revealed that she is often refused entry to various establishments and is tired of the constant discrimination. 'We are talking cafes, restaurants, hotels, accommodations, retail outlets,' she said. 'People just don't seem to understand that guide dogs are legally allowed anywhere that I go.'

The National Hotel in Toowoomba later admitted that their young staff member made a mistake. In a statement, the hotel apologised and informed Whittle that she would be welcome to stay at the venue, but she declined. The hotel emphasised its ongoing commitment to inclusivity for people with disabilities.

View attachment 21720

Handlers and certified dogs have access rights to public places and places of accommodation, which include hotels and motels. Credit: Unsplash/labunsky.

Guide dogs are far from mere pets; they are working animals that have undergone rigorous training and certification programs to assist individuals with disabilities. Their calm and well-behaved demeanour is a testament to these specialised training efforts.

In Australia, individuals with guide dogs continue to face discrimination and denial of access to public places, despite being illegal under The Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act 1992.

Across all states and territories, guide dogs wearing a harness with their handler are legally allowed to enter public places, public transport, taxis, and ride-shares. Denying or charging a fee for the entry of a guide dog is considered an offence.

Guide Dogs Australia reported that over a third of guide dog handlers experienced denial of access to a public venue or transport within the past year. This is not only a violation of their rights but also creates feelings of unsafety and potential danger.

Such incidents underscore the need for greater awareness surrounding the rights of individuals relying on service animals and the invaluable roles these animals play in providing assistance, support, and independence.

Key Takeaways

• A visually impaired woman with a service dog was told to leave a hotel in Queensland.
• The hotel employee claimed the woman did not inform them of the service animal when booking and offered her a refund.
• Under Queensland law, handlers and certified dogs have access rights to public places and places of accommodation, including hotels and motels.
• The hotel has since apologised and informed the woman she was welcome to stay, but she declined.

It's frustrating and heartbreaking to hear of such discrimination. Service dogs are not just pets but carefully bred and schooled animals working to make the lives of their handlers easier.

We here at the SDC want to remind everyone that it is illegal for a business to deny entry to a service dog. For all of our members with disabilities, please remember that you have the right to access all public places, services, and transport without discrimination in Australia.

If you ever encounter a situation where you are denied access due to your guide dog, feel free to get in touch with Guide Dogs Australia through their website. They can offer guidance on dealing with discrimination and provide resources to address such situations.

Do you or anyone you know have service dogs that assist them in their daily life? Have you come across any incidents or heard any stories of unfair treatment or discrimination? Please feel free to share in the comments below.

I have a friend who has a Service Dog. She would be lost without Maya!!! How dare anyone refuse any service dog entry!!!!!

 

[Luckyus]

We understand and value service animals' immense impact on the lives of those who rely on them. They provide a sense of independence, confidence, and companionship, acting as a lifeline for individuals facing various challenges.

That is why it is disheartening to hear stories of individuals facing misunderstandings and discrimination simply because they rely on these remarkable animals.

Recently, we came across the case of Janice Whittle, a visually impaired woman from Queensland, and her loyal guide dog, Keegan.

Janice encountered an unwelcome surprise when she attempted to check into the National Hotel in Toowoomba. To her dismay, she was informed that she had to leave because of her service dog.

View attachment 21719

A hotel has come under fire after a visually impaired woman was told to leave by a staff member because she had a service dog with her. Credit: Unsplash/brunocervera.

The 53-year-old had just placed her bag on the bed when she heard a knock at her door. 'I am being kicked out of the National Hotel, which I have just paid for the accommodation,' Whittle said as she filmed the interaction.

An employee explained that she could request a refund and informed Whittle that her booking would have been cancelled earlier if the hotel had been aware of the service dog.

'You didn't state that you had a service animal, and if you did, we would have refunded it before,' the employee said.

In response, Whittle presented her three-year-old guide dog's identification.

Unfortunately, the hotel's stance remained the same.'Eventually, she came back and said that she did it through Policelink, so the police will not be attending, but I will be getting charged,' Whittle explained.

It's important to note that under Queensland law, handlers and certified dogs have access rights to public places and places of accommodation, including hotels and motels.

Despite this, Whittle revealed that she is often refused entry to various establishments and is tired of the constant discrimination. 'We are talking cafes, restaurants, hotels, accommodations, retail outlets,' she said. 'People just don't seem to understand that guide dogs are legally allowed anywhere that I go.'

The National Hotel in Toowoomba later admitted that their young staff member made a mistake. In a statement, the hotel apologised and informed Whittle that she would be welcome to stay at the venue, but she declined. The hotel emphasised its ongoing commitment to inclusivity for people with disabilities.

View attachment 21720

Handlers and certified dogs have access rights to public places and places of accommodation, which include hotels and motels. Credit: Unsplash/labunsky.

Guide dogs are far from mere pets; they are working animals that have undergone rigorous training and certification programs to assist individuals with disabilities. Their calm and well-behaved demeanour is a testament to these specialised training efforts.

In Australia, individuals with guide dogs continue to face discrimination and denial of access to public places, despite being illegal under The Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act 1992.

Across all states and territories, guide dogs wearing a harness with their handler are legally allowed to enter public places, public transport, taxis, and ride-shares. Denying or charging a fee for the entry of a guide dog is considered an offence.

Guide Dogs Australia reported that over a third of guide dog handlers experienced denial of access to a public venue or transport within the past year. This is not only a violation of their rights but also creates feelings of unsafety and potential danger.

Such incidents underscore the need for greater awareness surrounding the rights of individuals relying on service animals and the invaluable roles these animals play in providing assistance, support, and independence.

Key Takeaways

• A visually impaired woman with a service dog was told to leave a hotel in Queensland.
• The hotel employee claimed the woman did not inform them of the service animal when booking and offered her a refund.
• Under Queensland law, handlers and certified dogs have access rights to public places and places of accommodation, including hotels and motels.
• The hotel has since apologised and informed the woman she was welcome to stay, but she declined.

It's frustrating and heartbreaking to hear of such discrimination. Service dogs are not just pets but carefully bred and schooled animals working to make the lives of their handlers easier.

We here at the SDC want to remind everyone that it is illegal for a business to deny entry to a service dog. For all of our members with disabilities, please remember that you have the right to access all public places, services, and transport without discrimination in Australia.

If you ever encounter a situation where you are denied access due to your guide dog, feel free to get in touch with Guide Dogs Australia through their website. They can offer guidance on dealing with discrimination and provide resources to address such situations.

Do you or anyone you know have service dogs that assist them in their daily life? Have you come across any incidents or heard any stories of unfair treatment or discrimination? Please feel free to share in the comments below.

Guide dogs are working dogs, and ae not to be confused with the growing trend of the weak willed that can't seem to be able to travel without a comfort pet. If they want comfort while travelling perhaps they should cut the poskets out of their pants, jeans etc.

 

[starrysnan]

Isn't it sad that in this so called enlightened world that this problem is still occurring. Back in the early 70's I knew someone with a guide dog who faced this problem all the time. It seems that 50 years later we have not progressed very far.

 

[pascoevale]

We understand and value service animals' immense impact on the lives of those who rely on them. They provide a sense of independence, confidence, and companionship, acting as a lifeline for individuals facing various challenges.

That is why it is disheartening to hear stories of individuals facing misunderstandings and discrimination simply because they rely on these remarkable animals.

Recently, we came across the case of Janice Whittle, a visually impaired woman from Queensland, and her loyal guide dog, Keegan.

Janice encountered an unwelcome surprise when she attempted to check into the National Hotel in Toowoomba. To her dismay, she was informed that she had to leave because of her service dog.

View attachment 21719

A hotel has come under fire after a visually impaired woman was told to leave by a staff member because she had a service dog with her. Credit: Unsplash/brunocervera.

The 53-year-old had just placed her bag on the bed when she heard a knock at her door. 'I am being kicked out of the National Hotel, which I have just paid for the accommodation,' Whittle said as she filmed the interaction.

An employee explained that she could request a refund and informed Whittle that her booking would have been cancelled earlier if the hotel had been aware of the service dog.

'You didn't state that you had a service animal, and if you did, we would have refunded it before,' the employee said.

In response, Whittle presented her three-year-old guide dog's identification.

Unfortunately, the hotel's stance remained the same.'Eventually, she came back and said that she did it through Policelink, so the police will not be attending, but I will be getting charged,' Whittle explained.

It's important to note that under Queensland law, handlers and certified dogs have access rights to public places and places of accommodation, including hotels and motels.

Despite this, Whittle revealed that she is often refused entry to various establishments and is tired of the constant discrimination. 'We are talking cafes, restaurants, hotels, accommodations, retail outlets,' she said. 'People just don't seem to understand that guide dogs are legally allowed anywhere that I go.'

The National Hotel in Toowoomba later admitted that their young staff member made a mistake. In a statement, the hotel apologised and informed Whittle that she would be welcome to stay at the venue, but she declined. The hotel emphasised its ongoing commitment to inclusivity for people with disabilities.

View attachment 21720

Handlers and certified dogs have access rights to public places and places of accommodation, which include hotels and motels. Credit: Unsplash/labunsky.

Guide dogs are far from mere pets; they are working animals that have undergone rigorous training and certification programs to assist individuals with disabilities. Their calm and well-behaved demeanour is a testament to these specialised training efforts.

In Australia, individuals with guide dogs continue to face discrimination and denial of access to public places, despite being illegal under The Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act 1992.

Across all states and territories, guide dogs wearing a harness with their handler are legally allowed to enter public places, public transport, taxis, and ride-shares. Denying or charging a fee for the entry of a guide dog is considered an offence.

Guide Dogs Australia reported that over a third of guide dog handlers experienced denial of access to a public venue or transport within the past year. This is not only a violation of their rights but also creates feelings of unsafety and potential danger.

Such incidents underscore the need for greater awareness surrounding the rights of individuals relying on service animals and the invaluable roles these animals play in providing assistance, support, and independence.

Key Takeaways

• A visually impaired woman with a service dog was told to leave a hotel in Queensland.
• The hotel employee claimed the woman did not inform them of the service animal when booking and offered her a refund.
• Under Queensland law, handlers and certified dogs have access rights to public places and places of accommodation, including hotels and motels.
• The hotel has since apologised and informed the woman she was welcome to stay, but she declined.

It's frustrating and heartbreaking to hear of such discrimination. Service dogs are not just pets but carefully bred and schooled animals working to make the lives of their handlers easier.

We here at the SDC want to remind everyone that it is illegal for a business to deny entry to a service dog. For all of our members with disabilities, please remember that you have the right to access all public places, services, and transport without discrimination in Australia.

If you ever encounter a situation where you are denied access due to your guide dog, feel free to get in touch with Guide Dogs Australia through their website. They can offer guidance on dealing with discrimination and provide resources to address such situations.

Do you or anyone you know have service dogs that assist them in their daily life? Have you come across any incidents or heard any stories of unfair treatment or discrimination? Please feel free to share in the comments below.

 

[pascoevale]

I see the. Hotel ducking for cover after all a single employee would not make the decision without management further more and as flor the empyrean concerned you do know better there is a obo difference this goes for anybody any where maybe fines and restrictions on company and people will change things yes it is illegal have them charged The lady didn’t ask to be blind people with guide dogs and or service dogs have a disability stop making excuses

 

[Luckyus]

Fifty years later and they've still got their head stuck up their arse.

Isn't it sad that in this so called enlightened world that this problem is still occurring. Back in the early 70's I knew someone with a guide dog who faced this problem all the time. It seems that 50 years later we have not progressed very

 

[Tipsy]

We understand and value service animals' immense impact on the lives of those who rely on them. They provide a sense of independence, confidence, and companionship, acting as a lifeline for individuals facing various challenges.

That is why it is disheartening to hear stories of individuals facing misunderstandings and discrimination simply because they rely on these remarkable animals.

Recently, we came across the case of Janice Whittle, a visually impaired woman from Queensland, and her loyal guide dog, Keegan.

Janice encountered an unwelcome surprise when she attempted to check into the National Hotel in Toowoomba. To her dismay, she was informed that she had to leave because of her service dog.

View attachment 21719

A hotel has come under fire after a visually impaired woman was told to leave by a staff member because she had a service dog with her. Credit: Unsplash/brunocervera.

The 53-year-old had just placed her bag on the bed when she heard a knock at her door. 'I am being kicked out of the National Hotel, which I have just paid for the accommodation,' Whittle said as she filmed the interaction.

An employee explained that she could request a refund and informed Whittle that her booking would have been cancelled earlier if the hotel had been aware of the service dog.

'You didn't state that you had a service animal, and if you did, we would have refunded it before,' the employee said.

In response, Whittle presented her three-year-old guide dog's identification.

Unfortunately, the hotel's stance remained the same.'Eventually, she came back and said that she did it through Policelink, so the police will not be attending, but I will be getting charged,' Whittle explained.

It's important to note that under Queensland law, handlers and certified dogs have access rights to public places and places of accommodation, including hotels and motels.

Despite this, Whittle revealed that she is often refused entry to various establishments and is tired of the constant discrimination. 'We are talking cafes, restaurants, hotels, accommodations, retail outlets,' she said. 'People just don't seem to understand that guide dogs are legally allowed anywhere that I go.'

The National Hotel in Toowoomba later admitted that their young staff member made a mistake. In a statement, the hotel apologised and informed Whittle that she would be welcome to stay at the venue, but she declined. The hotel emphasised its ongoing commitment to inclusivity for people with disabilities.

View attachment 21720

Handlers and certified dogs have access rights to public places and places of accommodation, which include hotels and motels. Credit: Unsplash/labunsky.

Guide dogs are far from mere pets; they are working animals that have undergone rigorous training and certification programs to assist individuals with disabilities. Their calm and well-behaved demeanour is a testament to these specialised training efforts.

In Australia, individuals with guide dogs continue to face discrimination and denial of access to public places, despite being illegal under The Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act 1992.

Across all states and territories, guide dogs wearing a harness with their handler are legally allowed to enter public places, public transport, taxis, and ride-shares. Denying or charging a fee for the entry of a guide dog is considered an offence.

Guide Dogs Australia reported that over a third of guide dog handlers experienced denial of access to a public venue or transport within the past year. This is not only a violation of their rights but also creates feelings of unsafety and potential danger.

Such incidents underscore the need for greater awareness surrounding the rights of individuals relying on service animals and the invaluable roles these animals play in providing assistance, support, and independence.

Key Takeaways

• A visually impaired woman with a service dog was told to leave a hotel in Queensland.
• The hotel employee claimed the woman did not inform them of the service animal when booking and offered her a refund.
• Under Queensland law, handlers and certified dogs have access rights to public places and places of accommodation, including hotels and motels.
• The hotel has since apologised and informed the woman she was welcome to stay, but she declined.

It's frustrating and heartbreaking to hear of such discrimination. Service dogs are not just pets but carefully bred and schooled animals working to make the lives of their handlers easier.

We here at the SDC want to remind everyone that it is illegal for a business to deny entry to a service dog. For all of our members with disabilities, please remember that you have the right to access all public places, services, and transport without discrimination in Australia.

If you ever encounter a situation where you are denied access due to your guide dog, feel free to get in touch with Guide Dogs Australia through their website. They can offer guidance on dealing with discrimination and provide resources to address such situations.

Do you or anyone you know have service dogs that assist them in their daily life? Have you come across any incidents or heard any stories of unfair treatment or discrimination? Please feel free to share in the comments below.

Why dont these people know the laws.... SERVICE DOGS CANNOT BE REFUSED ENTRY... its as simple as that, She should have got compensation for the problems that occurred during the move as well as an IMMEDIATE refund.

 

[Rellybee]

Whilst I sympathise with the person in this story, I also sympathise with the hotel staff. Far too many entitled people think their Fido should be allowed to go anywhere at any time. They sit their Fidos on the cafe tables or on a chair denying a PERSON that space. I have seen them putting their pooch in shopping trolleys, taking them into supermarkets, and disobeying signs in parks requiring dogs to be on leads and under control. And then there is public transport: sitting the dog on a seat or perhaps worse, letting them wonder through the carriage or bus whilst they themselves are engrossed in their phones. If ever challenged they claim these dogs as ' companion animals' which they clearly aren't. Unfortunately, this results in genuine assistance dogs being refused entry when they should not be.

Yes more training for staff is helpful but I don't think all the blame should be on them. ALL pet owners have a

Whilst I sympathise with the person in this story, I also sympathise with the hotel staff. Far too many entitled people think their Fido should be allowed to go anywhere at any time. They sit their Fidos on the cafe tables or on a chair denying a PERSON that space. I have seen them putting their pooch in shopping trolleys, taking them into supermarkets, and disobeying signs in parks requiring dogs to be on leads and under control. And then there is public transport: sitting the dog on a seat or perhaps worse, letting them wonder through the carriage or bus whilst they themselves are engrossed in their phones. If ever challenged they claim these dogs as ' companion animals' which they clearly aren't. Unfortunately, this results in genuine assistance dogs being refused entry when they should not be.

Yes more training for staff is helpful but I don't think all the blame should be on them. ALL pet owners have a responsibility not only to their pets but also to the wider community as well. I am sick of having to deal with selfish entitled owners to the detriment of people like the person in the article.

l guess you own a Pub...you have no sympathy towards this lady whatsoever.

 

[KSS]

What part of the fact that this person showed their certification do you not comprehend?

No need to be rude!

 

[KSS]

l guess you own a Pub...you have no sympathy towards this lady whatsoever.

Nope I do not own a pub or any other hospitality outlet. Re red my p;ost because I did not say I had no sympathy for the person in question. Read what I wrote not what you think I wrote.

 

[KSS]

What part of the fact that this person showed their certification do you not comprehend?

You missed the point of my post.

 

[Rellybee]

Nope I do not own a pub or any other hospitality outlet. Re red my p;ost because I did not say I had no sympathy for the person in question. Read what I wrote not what you think I wrote.

l read what you wrote.....you have no sympathy