So this is about the crucial distinction between assistance dogs as defined by the Equality Act, and other dogs which may have some kind of designation, but aren't assistance dogs in terms of the legislation and thus drivers' obligation to take them.
Link to photo of dog with the harness marked 'emotional support dog'
Not sure where the DG Cars statement at the end is from, precisely. But it doesn't really address the critical distinction, and seems more about assistance dogs. And it's obviously addressed to drivers rather than the press and public
And think this kind of thing also mentioned in the Wolverhampton meeting video, but can't be bothered looking back again.
But it was a Wolves-plated car involved
'Taxi drivers are refusing to allow me to take support dog. I feel abandoned'https://www.nottinghampost.com/news/not ... ke-9462376Lucio Valentino had to argue for five minutes with a driver to let him ridehttps://i2-prod.nottinghampost.com/inco ... -3jpeg.jpgA Nottingham man says he feels 'abandoned' after being told by taxi drivers that he can't ride with his dog. Lucio Valentino, from Sneinton, uses six-year-old Border Collie Pixel as an emotional support animal and says taxi drivers should let him in.
But, having been refused in the past, Mr Valentino experienced the problem again on Friday, August 2, when a DG Cars driver took issue with the pet. It was only after a prolonged conversation that he was allowed to get in.
Mr Valentino said: "It's made me feel annoyed. Abandoned, even. The driver on Friday said that his guidance was to only accept service dogs for blind people. That really grinded me. What about dogs for people with epilepsy? They're just as important. Just as important as my dog is."
Having moved to Nottingham from Liverpool in the 1990s, Mr Valentino, 55, picked up Pixel six years ago when she was a puppy. She is registered with the ESA UK (Emotional Support Animals) charity, which provides an ID card indicating that a pet is registered for emotional support but is not affiliated with the government.
According to ESA UK, Emotional Support Animals are prescribed by licensed therapists, psychologists, doctors (GPs), and other medical professionals who understand their "profound impact," and are an "integral part of an individual's comprehensive treatment program." Their purpose is to "provide solace and alleviate the negative symptoms associated with emotional or psychological disabilities," the charity adds.
Emotional support dogs do not have the same legal rights as service and assistance dogs, such as guide dogs for blind people, which are protected under the Equality Act 2010. A taxi which refuses an assistance or service dog could be breaking the law, but is not breaking any law for refusing an emotional support dog.
It was during the pandemic that Mr Valentino, who is diagnosed with depression, borderline personality disorder and unstable personality disorder, first ordered a DG taxi. When it turned up, he says the taxi driver refused to let him in when he saw Pixel, and then drove off, despite Pixel wearing a harness and Mr Valentino showing his ESA card with Pixel's details on.
He complained to Wolverhampton City Council, which licensed the taxi, and he says that someone visited him to take details. He heard nothing more on the issue.
It was only on Friday, August 2 that Mr Valentino, who doesn't drive, used DG Cars again, having visited the Lord Roberts pub on Broad Street in the city centre. It had been a few years since the last time, but when the car arrived, he experienced the same issue.
While Pixel wasn't wearing a harness this time, Mr Valentino had his card, which he says he always carries, and spent five minutes arguing his case to the driver. Finally he was let in - but only, he claims, when he told the driver about having previously taken the issue to the licenser.
Mr Valentino has since complained to DG Cars directly and says he is awaiting a response. He says that in any case, he will no longer use the service.
A spokesperson for DG Cars said: "In accordance with company policy and UK law, it is mandatory to accommodate guide and assistance dogs. Compliance with this policy is essential for ensuring the highest level of service and support for all passengers.
"Please be advised that failure to adhere to this policy will result in strict disciplinary actions, which may include suspension of driving privileges, as outlined in our regulations. If any passenger brings such issues to our attention, we ensure that resolutions are promptly offered and the appropriate actions are taken."
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