Taxi Firm Boss In Court Over Guide Dog
8th September 2008
A taxi firm refused to allow a blind woman to travel in one of its cars with her guide dog, a court has heard.
In the first prosecution of its type in Bolton, the council is taking action against Mustak Bhuta, who operates Orlando Cars, for breaking section 37A of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995, which makes it illegal for a private hire firm to refuse to carry assistance dogs.
Bhuta, aged 46, of Hawthorne Street, Deane, denies the offence.
At Bolton Magistrates Court yesterday, Toni Forrest, who is totally blind, told how she has used Thynne Street-based Orlando Cars for years to transport herself and guide dog William and has even provided drivers with black bin liners to protect the car interiors from dog hairs.
In October last year, after a day teaching braille as a volunteer at the Sensory Centre in Chorley Street, Bolton, she rang as usual for a private hire car to take her home.
Miss Forrest told the court that when she spoke to the taxi operator she was informed that they would no longer be carrying her or her Labrador guide dog as drivers and other customers had complained about dog hairs.
“Nobody grooms their dogs as much as I do so I couldn't believe it,” said Miss Forrest.
She had to contact another private hire firm to take her home. She later complained to Bolton Council licensing department about the incident.
Andrew Morris, prosecuting, said Bhuta, when interviewed by licensing enforcement officer Duncan Peers, admitted taking the call from Miss Forrest.
Bhuta, who took over the operating licence for the firm in June, 2007, was in the taxi office at the time, taking calls and operating the radio He claimed that he had only three drivers available when Miss Forrest called, two of whom he said were not acceptable to Miss Forrest and the third who refused the fare because he is allergic to dogs.
But Miss Forrest denied refusing to use a driver, although she admitted previously requesting one driver not be sent because of his attitude.
Mr Peers told magistrates that in an interview with Bhuta, the defendant mentioned that customers and drivers had complained about dog hairs in the vehicle and that, if travelling in the front, the dog could lick the gear stick, which is unhygienic.
He also stated that on one occasion a driver had received a ticket for parking on double yellow lines while helping Miss Forrest into a building.
Mr Peers added that while drivers can be exempted from the obligation to carry guide dogs if they have medical proof that it could affect their health, Bolton Council has received no application for such an exemption.
The case was adjourned until October 8 when magistrates will hear the defence case.
If found guilty Bhuta could face a fine of up to £1,000.
Source; The Bolton News
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