ASSISTANCE GUIDE DOGS AND ACCESS TO SERVICES

That this House is aware that a recent guide dogs survey revealed that 75 per cent of assistance dog owners have been refused access to businesses and services because they are accompanied by their dog, most notably taxi and private hire vehicle providers; notes that it is illegal for a taxi vehicle proprietor to refuse to carry an assistance dog for a customer unless they hold a medical exemption certificate but that many do decline to provide a service as the law as currently drafted is weak on penalties; and calls on the Government to toughen the sentencing guidelines on this matter and to introduce strict penalties for those found guilty of flouting the law and found guilty of this offence.