Although this is a news article about a guide dog it's from UK so the laws differ.
A TAXI firm refused to allow a blind woman to travel in one of its cars with her guide dog, a court has heard.
In the first prosecution of its type in Bolton, the council is taking action against Mustak Bhuta, who operates Orlando Cars, for breaking section 37A of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995, which makes it illegal for a private hire firm to refuse to carry assistance dogs.
Bhuta, aged 46, of Hawthorne Street, Deane, denies the offence.
At Bolton Magistrates Court yesterday, Toni Forrest, who is totally blind, told how she has used Thynne Street-based Orlando Cars for years to transport herself and guide dog William and has even provided drivers with black bin liners to protect the car interiors from dog hairs.
In October last year, after a day teaching braille as a volunteer at the Sensory Centre in Chorley Street, Bolton, she rang as usual for a private hire car to take her home.
Miss Forrest told the court that when she spoke to the taxi operator she was informed that they would no longer be carrying her or her Labrador guide dog as drivers and other customers had complained about dog hairs.
“Nobody grooms their dogs as much as I do so I couldn't believe it,” said Miss Forrest.
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