Blind man, 69, ‘humiliated’ as loyal guide dog refused entry to restaurant

A blind man has revealed he was left “humiliated” after being forced out into the rain when he was refused entry to a restaurant with his trusty guide dog.

Les Wehsack told 7 News he was enjoying a night out with a friend on Sunday when they decided to stop over at the eatery in Colac, Victoria for dinner.

However, all did not go to plan for the 69-year-old when he was told, due to a “no animal policy”, his beloved Hughey could not come inside.

A shocked Les attempted to explain that the two-and-a-half year old is more than just a pet – and in fact acts as his eyes and ears. Guide dogs are legally allowed in to restaurants, as well as most other public places, in Australia.

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Speaking to the news outlet afterwards, Les said he felt embarrassed as he was told Hughey would have to be tied up outside. 

“It was wrong what they did…it was humiliating and annoying, they didn’t seem to understand, or didn’t want to understand that they were breaking the law,” he explained.

A blind pensioner has been refused service at a Colac restaurant, after his seeing eye dog wasn't allowed inside. @tdolling #7News pic.twitter.com/mfQSbLMsLl

— 7NEWS Melbourne (@7NewsMelbourne) June 21, 2018

Wherever vision impaired people go, their loyal furry friends are by their side and legally they are allowed to enter a range of public places including supermarkets, restaurants and hospitals, with the exception of operating theatres. The restaurant has since said it was unaware of the laws.

Guide Dogs Victoria Chief Executive Officer Karen Hayes told Starts at 60 while most are generous in providing open access to people accompanied by their guide dogs, not everyone is fully aware of their legal obligations.

“Unfair treatment towards individuals with a guide dog is often a result of a lack of knowledge and awareness amongst Victorians, but restricting access to guide dog handlers has a very real impact on those who are blind or have low vision,” she explained. 

“For instance, some guide dogs handlers change their daily routine choosing to avoid certain public areas or modes or transport, or have thought twice about taking their guide dog out in public.”

While many people think of a guide dog as a labrador in a harness guiding the handler to a destination, Hayes said they also provide a real sense of security, companionship and confidence that cannot be matched.

“Guide dogs are so much more than navigation dogs – they enable Australians with blindness or low vision to focus on living instead of walking, which makes it even more vital that guide dogs and guide dogs in training access all areas,” she said.

“As a community, we need to recognise how important these loyal and hardworking animals are, and that they have equal access rights like the rest of us.”

According to 7 News the restaurant owners said they weren’t aware of the rules and have since apologised for the mishap.

Have you, or anyone you know, suffered a similar experience?