Blind Woman Denied Morrisons Entry with Guide Dog Due to Manager's Alleged Allergy

Caroline Kennelly, a blind grandmother, was denied entry to a Morrisons Daily store in Canterbury with her guide dog, Dougie, due to the owner's claimed allergy to dogs. Despite her legal right under equality law to bring assistance dogs into shops, the local manager maintained a ban on all dogs, including guide dogs, citing the owner's severe allergies. Kennelly expressed her distress over the incident, stating that she felt intimidated and discriminated against, despite informing the employee of her rights. Morrisons' higher-ups acknowledged that the incident 'should not have happened' and are working to resolve the situation, although the local management has not changed its stance. The Equality and Human Rights Commission emphasized that while reasonable steps should be taken to accommodate individuals with allergies, outright bans on assistance dogs are generally not acceptable. This incident has raised concerns about the treatment of individuals with disabilities in retail environments.