A Nottingham man is claiming discrimination after a taxi driver refused to let him travel with his emotional support dog.
Lucio Valentino, from Sneinton, says he has been left feeling "abandoned" by taxi drivers' refusals.
Mr Valentino relies on his six-year-old Border Collie, Pixel, to help manage his mental health conditions, including depression and personality disorders. However, he has faced repeated refusals from taxi drivers due to the presence of Pixel.
Pixel 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 programme." 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.
However, service providers are required to make reasonable adjustments for disabled people and it may be hard to argue against allowing an emotional support dog when service and assistance dogs are covered.
This latest incident occurred on Friday, August 2, when a driver from DG Cars initially refused to allow Mr Valentino and Pixel into the vehicle, despite being shown the ESA UK ID card. Only after a lengthy argument did the driver relent.
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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