THE FESTIVE season brings joy for many but poses challenges for guide dog owners, who often face stress and exclusion due to illegal access refusals. Despite laws protecting their rights, an alarming 90% of guide dog owners report being denied access to businesses and services, including taxis, shops, and hospitality venues.

Sue Canham, a guide dog owner from Tenby, has experienced such discrimination firsthand. Recently, six taxis at Cardiff train station refused to transport her and her guide dog. Sue has also faced refusals at restaurants and pubs, raising serious concerns about the treatment of visually impaired individuals.

Widespread discrimination

Research from Guide Dogs, a leading charity for individuals with sight loss, highlights a significant lack of awareness. Only 42% of the public are aware that guide dogs are legally allowed in most businesses. In the past year alone, 72% of guide dog owners reported access refusals, with 41% of these incidents occurring in food and drink establishments.

Such refusals not only violate the law but also take a toll on the mental and social well-being of those affected. Nearly 80% of guide dog owners admitted altering their plans or avoiding certain venues due to fear of refusal.

Ruby Jay, a guide dog owner from Colchester, shared her experiences: “I’ve been illegally refused service about 25 times this year. It’s humiliating and stressful. I’m even skipping my Christmas party to avoid facing another rejection.”

A call for inclusion

Guide Dogs is urging businesses to prioritize education and staff training, especially during the festive season, to foster a more inclusive environment for guide dog owners.

Eleanor Briggs, Head of Policy at Guide Dogs, said “Access refusals are almost always illegal and deeply isolating, particularly during a time meant for celebration. We’re calling on businesses to ensure their staff are aware of the law and to make inclusion a priority this Christmas.”

Key statistics

• Discrimination remains prevalent: 90% of guide dog owners have faced access refusals.
• Awareness is low: More than 70% of customer-facing staff report receiving no training on the rights of assistance dog users.
• Well-being impact: Half of those refused access report being treated disrespectfully, and some have encountered aggression.
• Public support for inclusivity: 64% of people would avoid businesses that discriminate against guide dog owners.

Steps toward change

The “Open Doors” campaign by Guide Dogs aims to bridge the awareness gap by encouraging businesses to educate their staff about the legal rights of guide dog owners. By taking these steps, businesses can ensure a more inclusive and welcoming festive season for everyone.

For more information, visit www.guidedogs.org.uk/opendoors.

Caption: Tenby resident Sue Canham is among many guide dog owners advocating for equal access this Christmas season (Pic: Herald).

The RSPCA has revealed a distressing 12% increase in animal neglect reports in Wales during the first nine months of 2024 compared to the same period last year. With 3,163 cases reported between January and September, up from 2,822 in 2023, the charity fears the situation will worsen as financial pressures mount during the festive season.

Counties hit hardest
Rhondda Cynon Taf recorded the highest number of neglect reports (266), closely followed by Cardiff (262) and Swansea (237).

Across England and Wales, the RSPCA’s emergency cruelty line logged 48,814 incidents of neglect during the same period, marking a 25% increase from 2023’s 38,977 cases. On average, one incident is reported every four minutes, highlighting the scale of the crisis.

Festive fears
The RSPCA, celebrating its 200th anniversary this year, attributes the rise in neglect and abandonment to the surge in pet ownership during the COVID-19 pandemic and the current cost-of-living crisis.

Superintendent Jo Hirst said: “A 12% rise in neglect calls in Wales is deeply concerning, especially as winter brings increased financial pressures. With energy bills, Christmas costs, and other challenges, we fear the trend will continue.”

She added: “Every four minutes, we receive a report of neglect. Coupled with a 30% rise in abandonment cases over the last three years, it’s a stark reminder of the challenges pets and their owners face. But together, through our Join the Christmas Rescue campaign, we can make a difference.”

Heartwarming rescue: Patsy Pancake
One of the year’s most remarkable rescues involved a Shih Tzu affectionately named Patsy Pancake. Found abandoned in Bridgend in January, Patsy was in a critical condition, with a matted coat contaminated by faeces and sepsis threatening her life.

Thanks to prompt veterinary care and RSPCA foster support, Patsy made a miraculous recovery. Now officially adopted by her foster carer, Jayne, Patsy is thriving alongside another rescued Shih Tzu, Ruby Bish Fingers.

Jayne shared: “Patsy Pancake has transformed into a sassy, vocal, and loving dog. She’s settled wonderfully with my other pets, including Ruby, and I couldn’t let her go after fostering her.”

RSPCA Deputy Chief Inspector Gemma Cooper praised the community’s role in Patsy’s rescue. “It was touch and go, but thanks to incredible veterinary staff and a caring finder, Patsy has a second chance at life.”

Help for struggling pet owners
The RSPCA has launched a cost-of-living hub offering advice and support for those in financial difficulty. In Wales, the charity’s branches have established the Wales Pet Food Bank, distributing donations to food banks across the country.

To locate your nearest pet food bank or seek assistance, visit the RSPCA website: Wales Pet Food Bank.

As the festive season approaches, the RSPCA urges the public to support its life-saving work through donations and by joining the Join the Christmas Rescue campaign.

THE PEMBROKE AND PEMBROKE DOCK LIONS CLUB is once again spreading festive cheer while raising funds for local causes through its annual Christmas fundraising campaign.

For years, the Lions Club delighted Pembrokeshire residents with their iconic sleigh rides. However, as members grow older, the tradition has evolved into static displays at key community locations, making it easier to continue their charitable mission.

This year’s campaign features an expanded schedule, with appearances at Morrisons in Haverfordwest on December 14 and 15, Tesco in Milford Haven on December 13, and Tesco in Pembroke Dock on December 23 and 24. Volunteers will be on-site from 10:00am to 4:00pm, weather permitting, to collect donations and share holiday cheer.

The Lions Club has been a steadfast supporter of the Pembrokeshire community, stepping in to fill the void left by the closure of Lions Clubs in Milford Haven and Haverfordwest. Their fundraising efforts have supported numerous local charities, including Sandy Bear and Adam’s Bucketful of Hope, ensuring these vital services continue to thrive.

Tony Wilson, Secretary of the Pembroke and Pembroke Dock Lions Club, expressed his gratitude for the community’s continued support:
“Morrisons, Haverfordwest welcomed us with open arms last year and immediately invited us back. We’re excited to continue this collaboration and expand our fundraising efforts to Milford Haven and Pembroke Dock.”

The Lions are urging the public to visit their displays, contribute generously, and help make a difference this Christmas. All proceeds will go directly to local charities and initiatives that rely on community support.

For more details about the Lions Club’s work or how to get involved, visit their displays at the locations listed above.

(Photo: The Lions’ Christmas fundraising display from a previous year. Pic: Submitted)