Assistance dogs will need to be allowed into most premises under new regulation

Tuesday 22 August 2023

All businesses will have to allow trained assistance dogs into their premises under the new discrimination law, if regulations are backed by the States.

The new law comes into force on 1 October.

Employment & Social Security now want the Assembly to approve how discrimination involving animals will be dealt with by it.

Under its plans, the new law will only bite where a dog has been trained by organisation recognised by either of two bodies to guide someone who is visually impaired, help someone who is hearing impaired, assist a person with epilepsy or diabetes or assist a disabled person in certain circumstances.

Those training the dogs needed to be an accredited member of Assistance Dogs International or a member organisation of the International Guide Dog Federation.

“The standards of the ADI and IGDF are high, ensuring safety of the animal users, the animal itself and the general public, as well as ensuring that the animal behaves in a way that would not cause disturbance to, or interference with, the operations of businesses,” ESS said in its policy letter to the States.

“This means that, when the Ordinance comes into effect on 1st October 2023, all local businesses and other organisations will be required to allow the entry of assistance dogs that have been suitably trained by any organisation which is an accredited member of ADI or a member organisation of IGDF, except in limited circumstances (for example, in certain hospital wards)."

“However, restrictions may be placed on other animals, dogs which have been trained other than by the prescribed organisations, or dogs which are not assistance dogs.”

The definition of “assistance dog” in the proposed regulations does not include animals for protection, personal defence or comfort like emotional support animals.

ESS wants the regulation debated at the States meeting which begins on 27 September so it is in place when the discrimination law begins.