Dear Editor, 

In the row over the ‘assistance dog’ it is clear that Ms Abbott wants people to respect assistance dogs and their owners. I fully agree but there is something which seems to have eluded her.

One thing that distinguishes assistance dogs from pet dogs is the level of obedience training. In order to qualify as an assistance dog they have to be trained (even by home trainers) to a far higher level than a pet dog so they can safely be taken to places where you wouldn’t normally take dogs.

It is also a courtesy to people who can’t cope with dogs and who would be terrified if they encountered one who was badly behaved.

READ MORE: Woman 'manhandled' out of charity shop as staff refuse her entry with assistance dog

From the shop assistant's report of the dog's behaviour, it is obvious that it was causing trouble and, assistance dog or not, they were fully entitled to ask her to leave.

If this is the dog's general level of behaviour, I would seriously question what training it’s had. I’ve encountered quite a number of lovely pet dogs in cafes and the garden centre who are far better behaved than this one appears to be.

I have a disabled sister myself so I do respect and understand people with difficulties. I don’t know what Ms Abbott's problems are but I will give her my full support providing she has the courtesy to make sure her dog is properly trained.

As things stand, having this dog jumping all over my sister could cause her serious problems, in which case it would Ms Abbott who would be reported to the police.

Madelein Durand, 

Clatford Manor Estate,

Upper Clatford.

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