There are only two places a service animal is not allowed…
And a holiday park isn’t one of them.
Another perfect example of a situation that could have been avoided with some Inclusive Customer Service training.
A South Australian family have had their much-needed holiday ruined after their eight-year-old son’s service dog was refused entry into a holiday park.
Logan Reese lives with an acquired brain injury as a result of a tumour he was born with. His assistance dog Hunter supports him with everything, and is trained to respond to medical emergencies, including seizures.
But, on Saturday the service dog was refused entry to the Marion Holiday Park, forcing the family to forfeit a much-needed break in Adelaide.
Mother Murriana Reece told 9News she was angry and upset when she was told they couldn’t stay there with Hunter.
“I wanted to just cuddle and cry with my kids as well,” Ms Reese said.
Support worker Ieuan Hepworth said the situation was: “very confronting”.
Hunter is an assistance dog in training and the federal disability discrimination act allows him in all public places including hospitals.
However, the park said there wasn’t enough proof Hunter was an authorised service dog.
“They feel that there’s difference categories and legislations for different dogs, when the fact is there is no difference, they all come under the disability discrimination act,” Ms Reece said.
The ordeal left the children distressed and forced the family to return home out-of-pocket.
Marion Holiday Park manager Alan Rowett told 9News Hunter had been refused entry, and said he believed he had the right to turn the family away as Hunter wasn’t a vison or hearing assistance dog.
The family will complain to the Australian Human Rights Commission. Those who refuse entry to an assistance dog can face fines of up to $10,000.
