Is it illegal to deny access to a working dog?

A working dog provides immeasurable assistance to a person with a disability. A Guide Dog assists a person with visual impairment by safely guiding them around obstacles, provides companionship and offers independence and mobility. A Service Dog assists a person with a physical disability by performing tasks that include opening and closing doors and retrieving items that are out of reach. An Autism Support Dog makes outings a possibility and less stressful as they support with the child’s urge to bolt and run away. Are there legal implications for denying a working dog access? Yes, there are. A working dog is an essential part of a person with a disability. Denying access to a person with a working dog is a form of discrimination. This is against the law in South Africa. Many South Africans are unaware of what a registered working dog is. S A Guide-Dogs Association for the Blind provides extensive training to its working dogs to ensure that they are well socialised and behaved in any environment and situation. These dogs know that once their harnesses or jackets are fitted, they are at work. Section 9 of the Equality Act in South Africa states that no person may unfairly discriminate against any person on the ground of disability, including: