- Published:
- Wednesday 29 April 2015
The Andrews Labor Government today launched an education campaign to remind businesses that guide dogs and seeing eye dogs, as well as puppies in training, are legally able to enter any event, business or premises.
Supported by Guide Dogs Victoria and Vision Australia Seeing Eye Dogs, the campaign aims to raise community awareness that guide dog and seeing eye dog puppies have the same access rights as their adult counterparts.
On International Guide Dog Day, Minister for Agriculture, Jaala Pulford, joined Member for Bentleigh, Nick Staikos at Bentleigh restaurant Paseo Del Prado to launch a campaign sticker produced for eateries stating “Welcome. Guide Dogs, Seeing Eye Dogs and puppies in training can enter”.
Guide dog and seeing eye dog puppies start training with a volunteer carer as early as seven weeks of age and will undergo extensive training in how to behave in a restaurant or café and on public transport.
They have been specifically bred for their important role and when in training in public they wear a blue or yellow identification jacket.
The Labor Government will continue to work with Guide Dogs Victoria and Vision Australia Seeing Eye Dogs to ensure volunteer carers and their puppies are not turned away from premises.
The rights of guide dog and seeing eye dog users are covered under the Domestic Animals Act 1994 and the Disability Discrimination Act 1992, both of which override the Health Act which prohibits dogs from entering food premises.
Under the Domestic Animals Act 1994, a visually impaired person, hearing impaired person or person training a guide dog may at all times and in all places be accompanied by a guide dog/seeing eye dog or guide dog/seeing eye dog puppy in development.
This includes traveling on planes or any form of public transport such as taxis, buses, trams and trains, and entering theatres, restaurants, supermarkets, hotels and retail stores.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture, Jaala Pulford
“To prepare puppies for a future as a guide dog and seeing eye dog, carers must take them on public transport, and to shops, cafes and restaurants – that’s why it is so important their access rights are recognised.”
“This campaign will raise awareness within the Victorian community that guide dog and seeing eye dog puppies have the same access rights as adult guide dogs and seeing eye dogs.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Bentleigh, Nick Staikos
“Many guide dog and seeing eye dog puppy carers are volunteers - people doing the right thing should never be discouraged or turned away.”
“We congratulate local business Paseo Del Prado for setting a great example by making guide dog users, trainers and carers welcome.”