Disabled Yorkshire student 'constantly refused' entry to shops for having an assistance dog
A student from Leeds has spoken out after being "constantly refused" entry to shops and "denied education" for having an assistance dog.
MJ Land, 19, lives with chronic pain disorder and got a specially-trained Labrador assistance dog, Rex, in September 2023. The two-year-old dog aids MJ with mobility and mental health issues.
MJ credits Rex for providing both physical and mental support, boosting their confidence to venture out alone.
Read more: Woman left 'crawling like a baby' and fitting after cheating thug 'bounced' her off a wall
However, since acquiring Rex, MJ alleges they've been denied access to several shops and cafes. They even had to cease attending college as the institution "won't allow" Rex's presence.
Job hunting has also proven challenging for MJ, which they attribute to having an assistance dog. MJ said: "Rex helps me both mentally and physically.
"I have to get up and walk him - he gets two walks a day and because of that I have been walking better.
"Mentally, he gives me the confidence to go out on my own too.
"Unfortunately, having Rex comes with its criticism - whenever we go into a shop they will ask us for paperwork.
"I say how his harness is proof that he is an assistance dog and we won't be allowed in.
"My sister also has an assistance dog and we have been thrown out of numerous places as people don't believe us."
MJ was diagnosed with a chronic pain disorder in March 2021. Following discussions with their occupational therapist, it was decided that MJ would benefit from an assistance dog.
MJ said: "My family looked into places where I could get an assistance dog after it was suggested I should get one. At the time, my dad, Michael, wanted me to get one too as he wanted me to be more independent. After a lot of searching, I was matched with Rex."
MJ has had Rex for more than a year now and they have faced varying degrees of discrimination. They allege that they are not allowed in some shops, have been refused entry into certain restaurants and have even had to put their education on hold.
MJ said: "It makes me feel incredibly angry - it is like telling someone they can't do something because they are in a wheelchair. The reason assistance dogs exist is because we need them. I think there is a huge lack of education."
Since getting Rex, MJ says they have applied for more than 60 jobs and had five interviews but haven't secured employment. They claim as soon as employers find out they need an assistance dog they don't take them on.
MJ said: "I have been searching for a job for months, I have had a few interviews but I don't get the job as soon as they find out that I have a working dog. I have applied for 60 jobs but they will say no when they find out about Rex. I am angry, so many people want me to get work experience but how do I get the experience if nobody is hiring me."
Despite facing lots of discrimination, MJ said that they have encountered some kindness when taking Rex to venues. They said: "Whenever we go to the EFL, they have been absolutely wonderful.
"I am a big football fan, there is a lot of discrimination in sport but the fact they are so wonderful with me is amazing.
"Steven Graham at Norwich City makes sure Rex has water, we go through a separate entrance so Rex doesn't get trampled on and they give us a parking space.
"The way they are so accessible is so wonderful to me."
Suzy Gallagher, Principal at Leeds City College's Quarry Hill campus, said: "We're committed to providing the best support and care to all of our students, which involves making reasonable adjustments, where possible, to ensure everyone is treated fairly and equitably.
Read more: I played for Liverpool but what the Leeds United crowd did I've never seen before
"In the interest of safeguarding, students joining us with an assistance or emotional support dog are required to follow our robust policy and process.
"This includes providing the relevant documentation to ensure that we are fulfilling our legal responsibility as an organisation in maintaining optimum animal welfare as well as the safety of our wider campus population.
"In this instance, MJ's application for their dog, Rex, was submitted to our animal welfare and ethics panel who carefully reviewed this and concluded that there was insufficient paperwork to demonstrate that Rex is authorised to work.
"We have sent MJ the details of what we require as set out in our animal welfare policy, and if received, we would be happy to reconsider their application for a support animal on campus."
Get all the latest and breaking news in Leeds by signing up to our newsletter here.